Henry secretly harbors three unfulfilled wishes. Most importantly, he’d like someday to surprise his dear wife,
Sylvie, by reciting her favorite poem—in its entirety--in flawless, properly nuanced French. For himself, he’d
also like to become a worthy cellist, skilled enough to play one of the Bach suites. In his dream that event
would take place in front of a crowd of previously doubtful, completely dumfounded friends. And, for reasons
which can not be explained, he’d like very much to beat his father-in-law RESOUNDINGLY at ping pong…just
one glorious time. These things I state in the order in which Henry most desires them.

Henry has failed continually in his attempts to make any of this happen …such is Life. So, Henry’s feeling
kind of sad. His chances of making any of these things happen diminishes with each passing day. What
could possibly happen to put these wishes within reach? Perhaps a hint can be found somewhere in the title.
BACK COVER
Author’s Note:
This piece has nothing whatsoever to do with my refusal
to walk around prattling like a five year old in French.
It has even less to do with my questionable skills as a
cellist. There are deeper wounds, concerning ping-pong.
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About Darryl Mockridge
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REVIEW
I liked Earwig, but I loved Jack Nicholson IS Santa Claus.
I had put the book aside when I got to the intermission.
When I started reading Jack the other night it was like I
was there. It felt like I was in a movie the whole way
through. Excellent and fun book.                  Jim Gregory
SLATED FOR 2016
The Never-Ending Trials
of Henry Edward Fool
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