Гроздья гнева

           Andashelifteditclear,arattlingbreathcameout,andasobbingbreathwasindrawn.Casyfoundastickonthegroundandhelddownthetonguewithit,andtheunevenbreathrattledinandout.

           Granmahoppedaboutlikeachicken."Pray,"shesaid."Pray,you.Pray,Itellya."Sairytriedtoholdherback."Pray,goddamnyou!"Granmacried.

           Casylookedupatherforamoment.Theraspingbreathcamelouderandmoreunevenly."OurFatherwhoartinHeaven,hallowedbeThyname—"

           "Glory!"shoutedGranma.

           "Thykingdomcome,Thywillbedone—onearth—asitisinHeaven."

           "Amen."

           Alonggaspingsighcamefromtheopenmouth,andthenacryingreleaseofair.

           "Giveusthisday—ourdailybread—andforgiveus—"Thebreathinghadstopped.CasylookeddownintoGrampa’seyesandtheywereclearanddeepandpenetrating,andtherewasaknowingserenelookinthem.

           "Hallelujah!"saidGranma."Goon."

           "Amen,"saidCasy.

           Granmawasstillthen.Andoutsidethetentallthenoisehadstopped.Acarwhishedbyonthehighway.Casystillkneltonthefloorbesidethemattress.Thepeopleoutsidewerelistening,standingquietlyintentonthesoundsofdying.SairytookGranmabythearmandledheroutside,andGranmamovedwithdignityandheldherheadhigh.Shewalkedforthefamilyandheldherheadstraightforthefamily.Sairytookhertoamattresslyingonthegroundandsatherdownonit.AndGranmalookedstraightahead,proudly,forshewasonshownow.