In this impersonal age of cyber friends (like me), witch hunters who never meet in person and gaining the gospel from unholy sources David Henson’s My Powdered Friend is a satire that is uncomfortably close to being true. As in much of David’s work, he takes a bright, keen, even flippant tone, which intensifies the darker themes. And he has the great knack of making you believe just about anything.
Q: You sell the concept of dumping a powder in a tub and whipping up a person right off. You told it simply, and if a person had a problem with it then it was time to go. Was this decision one you had to weigh–meaning did you ever hesitate and consider an opening less directly?
Q: I see this as a parable that mixes Social Media and McCarthyism and a little bit of Anthony the Cornfield Master –was that the intent, or by asking do I risk being suspicious or a source of unrest?
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Q: You sell the concept of dumping a powder in a tub and whipping up a person right off. You told it simply, and if a person had a problem with it then it was time to go. Was this decision one you had to weigh–meaning did you ever hesitate and consider an opening less directly?
A: The decision was always to jump right in to the powdered end of the tub at the beginning of the story. I figured it would be too cumbersome to try to explain it rationally. I hoped the opening would pique the curiosity of more readers than it would turn off. And maybe I could get a bit of a sales commission from My Powdered Friend Inc. for giving them some publicity.
Q: I see this as a parable that mixes Social Media and McCarthyism and a little bit of Anthony the Cornfield Master –was that the intent, or by asking do I risk being suspicious or a source of unrest?
A: When I was a little kid, the Twilight Zone episode about Anthony made me cry out mummy! in fear, but I didn’t have it in mind, at least not consciously, when working on this story. You’re correct about the McCarthyism / social media angle although it could be any of the Big Brother types of government. I don’t think you’re a source of unrest, but be careful what you say in the laundry if there’s a box of Tide around!
Thanks, Leila, for the thought-provoking questions and for making this story, a personal favorite of mine, a rerun.
literally stories 
Hello, David
Pleased to see our Powdered associate up today. I thank you for your great answers and compliments. This is a top shelf little piece that I hope attracts you more readers.
Leila
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Thanks again, Leila, for giving this story another wash and rinse.
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Wow, the mesmeric power of the under-stated. The routine rehydration was a great touch. Thank you.
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Thanks very much, Mick. Glad you enjoyed it!
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Hi Dave,
I can’t say anything new about your work Dave.
This is a fine example of your imagination and skill.
This is one of my all-time favourites that I have ever read!!!
All the very best my fine friend.
Hugh
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Thank you, Hugh. Much appreciated.
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That was a very interesting story! It drew me in with its starting with innocence, and the idea of loneliness, and moving into its darkly amusing theme. First, I figured “It must be a great thing to have a My Powdered Friend,” then we learn where they come from. Quite the concept. Everyone knows what is happening, but no-one says a word. Sounds like a few things going on these days!
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