This is the first in a collection of short, short stories inspired by people I see downtown.
The Reader
He sits on that stone wall near the green downtown, oblivious to the rush of the city around him. Next to him, a stack of old books, dog eared and stained – volumes of poetry, adventure, philosophy and love – his wealth of knowledge. His dirty grey beard trembles as he mouths the words, passages he knows by heart. He licks his thumb and turns the page with great care, each page precious, each word a treasure. Every truth exists between the title and the end.
Exactly at five he takes his companions and places them in a tattered bag with the few other things he calls his own. Clutching his belongings to his chest, he makes his way down Water Street to a place with better light.
I like this alot, and the Downtown concept is promising.
ReplyDeleteYou show us someone who's only purpose and aim in life is to read. He's reminds me of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, he would be at home there.
This has the feel of a beautifully animated painting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful observations. "...each page precious, each word a treasure." Absolutely!!
ReplyDeleteNice idea, too. Great work as always!!
Love this, especially the inclusion of Downtown in the title. That brings about such a clearer picture of the reader.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeletePeople watching is one of my favorite things to do when I'm out and about.
I love that the Reader moves away to a place where he can continue to read.
See, now this is a perfect argument against everything going digital. He wouldn't have the same pleasure clutching an e-reader! lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this written portrait with us, he would probably enjoy your vision of him also.
each page precious, each word a treasure. Every truth exists between the title and the end. - that is outstanding verse.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Laurita, and good idea.
Wonderful. I especially love that he moves to a place with better light.
ReplyDeleteWonderful description!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure he would cherish these words as well :)
Excellent description. I want to talk to him about his books.
ReplyDelete"poetyr, adventure, philosophy and love" - the four elements, are they not?
ReplyDeleteThe description makes me feel very happy for this person, ensconced in his lovely book world
Laurita, dunno how I missed this one... I love it. Submit this piece of lovely flash somewhere. May I suggest Gutter Eloquence? They may take it or better yet, Zygote in my Coffee
ReplyDelete