The old man on the bar stool held court all evening, an instantly dislikable tangle of hair, beard and opinions. Any decent British pub contains somebody like this.
We went on to another bar at closing time. In a dingy room washed with reggae I felt as white as it's possible to feel without a pointy hood and burning cross.
Leaving at one a.m. I spotted him again - quiet now, alone on a bench, looking out over the cemetery.
And I felt sad for him, because I had so much to go home to, and I don't think he did.
The Postcard
3 hours ago
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15 comments:
Wow. You've done it again. With just a few details you create a vivid scene - or two - complete with emotion and humorous insight. And then you veer sharply into another scene and another feeling entirely. I never see it coming, but I always feel the impact. Well done, MLS.
I have never been able to write fiction and so have not tried since ages...this 100 words theme, inspires me and makes me wonder if l should have a (private) stab...
to be able to be mean with words and yet create a vista so real we feel we are trespassing...fab!!
saz x
I dont know if this is experience of fiction .. but it is sad as there are people like that.. and worse there are those with plenty at home yet still feel so alone x
I don't write fiction. This happened last night.
I often have experiences like that. The posture or expression of someone will touch my heart even if I'm not inherently drawn to their personality. If I could personally ensure that no one was alone .....
Wow! I wonder why it is sometimes that the loners stand out. I keep thinking what it would be like to know the back story of some of these people...
Aw, that is sad. It really makes you think twice when someone is being obnoxious - maybe they're just really lonely. Too often we don't really "see" people... we walk past them, or hear them but not often do we get that second look, like you did, to truly see them.
I knew one of those pub people. Sadly he was lonely despite having lots to go home to.
That second paragraph is a prime example of what sets you apart as a writer. Good stuff.
Wow, that's so sad, but at least you know what you have. That's the most important thing. :)
This one is deep on so many levels. I love it.
wow 100 words that pack an emotional punch- i don't know what we can do about so many people in society not having much to go home to- and I hate myself for being scared of those kinds of people you see sitting alone muttering- because they are just people
I completely agree with the others - so vivid. The last bit pulls at the heartstrings.
I don't think he's that much different than you and I, but circumstances have made him so. I need to remember that and smile warmly when I see him.
Thanks all for such lovely comments. I know it can't necessarily be easy to comment on only 100 words, so I really appreciate it when people do.
Blissed-Out Grandma - You always give me such fantastic feedback. I'm glad it worked and it wasn't too jarring going from one scene to another.
Miss Welcome - What I think is hard for us all to get to grips with is that some people are lonely for a reason.
Wild Celtic - There's more on this theme coming up on the blog tomorrow, stay tuned.
GI - Thanks for commenting! It's been aaaages. It's the pointy hood you liked isn't it? It's not an outfit that would work for me.
Rose - I agree. One thing I like about getting older is being less dismissive of the unfortunate people in society.
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