Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Attempted Robbery. We all have seen reenactments of various robberies-- Banks, stagecoaches, in an alley, during war. But have you actually been a part of and felt what it was like? Around August 1973, I was on home leave from my African teaching job. I was half way home in Rio de Janeiro for a stop over, Spending an evening at the theatre, then walking back to the hotel, Where Pierre, my first born, (three months) and his mother were waiting. I decided to take a short cut behind the main thoroughfare. Walking in a lighted, but narrower area between buildings and the river, I was commencing to pass by two 'guys' leaning against the railing. As I passed, they suddenly confronted me with a small, silver pistol. We spoke different languages, but I knew what they were demanding. I was larger than they, so I talked, holding out my arms to appear large-- Just like Konrad Lorenze (an ethologist) had done, confronting a barracuda, To ward off the giant fish while scuba diving-- And it seemed to work as they impatiently waved me on. After saying 'Obrigado' I moved away, but decided on a strategy; In case they tried to shoot me in the back, I ran with a premeditated jigzag to avoid a clear shot. No shot occurred and I was most relieved as I rounded a right corner. Was I afraid? As I remember 50 years later, I was seized with adrenalin and tenseness, but not with fear. It passed through me as an extreme event in life And not a pending tragedy with possible wounding or death. No matter what, it still remains vividly in my memory. Frank Maurer 16 November 2024 1530 Hours.