Sunday, August 06, 2017

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Post 1577. Sunday August 6

Sunday Photo Fiction



I'm not allowed on the other side so I busk here. When I sing Walk on By, they walk on by; I sing Crossover and they cross to avoid passing me.

In my upturned cap, there's a handful of coppers, a pound coin and a screwed up chocolate wrapper. You're probably thinking ‘he’s on drugs or booze and if I give him money he’ll spend it on his habit’. I can't blame you. I look a little scruffy, very scruffy. Dirty even. You strut past like a peacock pretending not to notice me. I watched you and your mates leaving McDonald's across the road. You probably weren’t even hungry. But me? I’m bloody starving and I’ll probably have another day without food.

See him, on the other side? Him with trendy clothes and a smug look on his face? Last time I saw him I was Jack the Lad; even gave him a bed for the night and a square meal. Now he pretends not to know me. But I don’t care.

No, actually, I do.

Smile. Sing your heart out. Give ‘em a dose of soul music. Show ‘em Elvis lives. Soon I’ll cross to the other side.  I will.

Please God, please say I will.


For Sunday Photo Fiction where the photo is supplied by J Hardy Carroll








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24 comments:

  1. A very sad and moving piece Keith. I never give people money, but I will buy them food and / or a drink.

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  2. The grass is greener on the other side of the street. Nice literal example of it. Hopefully his luck changes soon.

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    1. He was playing 'Things can only get better' last time I saw him!

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  3. Nice take on the photo! My first love busked his way through Italy years ago for the fun of it. Hope this lad enjoys a turn of fortune.

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    1. That sounds like something I'd love to do! Cheers Darla.

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  4. Nice take on the idea of crossing to the other side -- I hope this busker's fortunes turn back up again soon.

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  5. Beautifully written.

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  6. Touching! Traffic regulations do affect a lot of business. We have a new rule about bars not being allowed within 500 meters of national highways, to promote safe driving. There are a whole lot of star hotels and other joints changing the entrance, just to fit in the rule.

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    1. Wow, your rules are even stricker than ours! Cheers Reena

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  7. Life on the other side is always green. Well not always. A very metaphorical take on life. Excellent, Keith.

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  8. Okay. Now I am definitely going to re-post an old post.

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  9. So sad. It seems "crossover" has a double meaning in this one. Too bad the guy he helped before won't acknowledge him. That's gratitude for ya. However he "crosses over" I hope he gets a break soon.

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    1. Hopefully he won't get run down half way across! Cheers CE

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  10. This was wrenching. Well done, Keith.

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  11. This is sad that the person did not return the gratitude. it is not fair. His fortunes will be turned. Amen.
    http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/08/a-game.html

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