There’s a reason why Charles Schultz’ gang has been adored by millions for decades. It’s because they’re deep. It’s because there’s a little bit of Charlie Brown in all of us – or maybe Lucy, or Snoopy, or Linus.  Sable Jordan, in her amusing, slightly-belated- but-who’s-going-to-mind? entry for our Ain’t That Quaint? contest, uses Charlie as a construct to explore her narrator’s inner blockheadedness. Read Sable’s inspired riff on “a square jaw is a sign of willpower” to find out whether she gets unblocked…or if she decides that maybe being square isn’t such a bad thing.

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A Word with Charlie Brown

“You blockhead!” Lucy yelled, the animation flitting across the screen.  It’s the Charlie Brown Halloween special, my favorite, and Linus is waiting for The Great Pumpkin to arrive.  Every year like clockwork, waiting for The Great Pumpkin to arrive.  And at every house, the other kids get candy and Charlie gets rocks–always the trick and never the treat.

I wonder where John is.  It’s the third time he’s been late this week and dinner’s been cooked and cooling for hours now.  It’s a shame, really, ‘cause I had my heart set on going to his office party tonight since we missed it last year.  Now, instead of being dressed up like you, Charlie, in my yellow sweater with the black zigzag across the chest that I made myself, I’m sitting on the couch eating ice cream in a Snoopy shirt and cute lounge pants with you all over them, “Oh, brother!” inscribed in the speech balloon.  Only gift I got for my birthday this year, even if I did buy them myself.

You’re in that field again, and Lucy’s holding the football, promising you she won’t move it.  I think deep in your heart you know she will anyway, but you’re hoping that, just this once, she’ll keep her word and hold it still so you can kick it far.  I always wonder if you’ll ever know what it’s like to feel your shoe connect with the pigskin.  Sometimes I’m afraid you never will.  But that doesn’t stop you from trying, does it?

A great thing happened at work today.  Marissa –this nice girl I work with–she’s being considered for a promotion! I’m so happy for her.  She always comes by my desk and asks me to check her data sheets, and sometimes the mistakes are so bad I just start from scratch.  But Marissa’s a hard worker, so she deserves to move up.  If she gets the position she promised to put in a good word for me with our boss, Mr. Klein.  Who knows?  Maybe on the next go ‘round I’ll be getting that promotion…and the raise that goes with it.

Oh, I love this part!  Snoopy and Woodstock are up to more of their antics.  Those two always make me laugh.  Charlie, how do you understand Snoopy since he can’t speak?  And Woodstock, that little bird must win a lot at charades ‘cause he can act out anything.  No matter how many times you tell Snoopy not to do something, he ends up doing it.  Kinda reminds me of John’s dog, Angel.  Cutest Doberman, but she tears up everything.  I’m the one who feeds her, and I know she understands me, but she’ll only listen to John.  Life’s funny that way.

I’m out of ice cream and Lucy’s screaming that you’re a blockhead again, Charlie.  Lucy’s a mean one, always calling you that name even though your face is round and will never be square.  Who ever heard of a round block?  It’s comical, really.  I have a round face, too, and I think we’re more easy-going and amenable, aren’t we?  We have hope things’ll work out.  Not like real blockheads.  No, people with squared jaws tend to be more earnest and dogged.  Something about the way their faces are shaped gives the impression they’re more resolute in their endeavors.

Y’know, now that I think about it, you’re kinda the same way, aren’t you, Charlie?  Ever-determined to kick that football, or get your dog to listen to you, or hoping to get something besides a rock in your goody bag.  Guess that makes round-faced Linus a blockhead too, waiting for The Great Pumpkin to come even though he knows it never will.  Maybe there’s something to be said about round-faced people.  Maybe we’re not the gullible pushovers people think we are – just square pegs in round holes.  Perhaps there’s fortitude in hope.

The credits are going and it’s the end of another great Halloween special.  I’ll have to wait until next year to see it again, and that usually makes me sad, but right now I feel…excited!  Tomorrow I’ll go talk to Mr. Klein about that job.  There’s no reason I can’t do just as good – no, better than Marissa.  And I think it’s time John and I parted ways. I think he’s been seeing someone else, anyhow.  Maybe she can make Angel obey, but it’s not my problem anymore. ‘Cause I’m like you, Charlie Brown.  I’m a blockhead and proud!

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This made me really want a pair of Snoopy pajamas.