Saturday
The storm has passed and a stillness hangs in the air. Behind the silence the
city's heartbeat grinds on. There's enough time for a quiet stroll before the Saturday
morning rush. An old lady shuffles by, her timing as regular as clockwork.  She turns and shoots me a wink, smiles with a cheeky glint in her
wrinkled eyes and merges into the crowd. The next moment reveals a family. They stop and
watch me watching them. Bravely, the smallest child steps forward, unaware a crowd has
gathered. I reach for my old stone pipe and release a cluster of bubbles. The boy watches
in wonder as the bubbles rise against the falling leaves that float gracefully to the
ground.
Sunday
Strolling at Southgate. I recognise all the regulars as they move through the
space. I can sense she is here somewhere. I scan the crowd - a foot step behind me, an
outstretched hand, she is here helping me up on the plinth. I first noticed her yesterday
at the back of the crowd, the rain masking her troubled face. But she's smiling today;
she's brought flowers for me. I offer her a red rose, the splash of colour as striking as
the smile on her face. She kisses my cheek and is gone. Magical!
Monday
My foundations vibrate to the steady rhythm of an approaching street sweeper. On
board this mechanical beast rides its keeper of the day. Not a corner is missed. With the
concrete polished, he nods briefly and smiles. I wink back at him in appreciation.
Tuesday
It's a monochromatic day - grey, like me. I'm waiting and watching for the colour
to pass, the surprised look and quick smile of the business woman who catches my eye as
she rushes to avoid being drenched by.the rain. The last backward glance of a kid before
he follows his mother into a nearby store. The wave of the tram driver as he passes. There
are rainbows in the rain if you know where to look. |
Wednesday
Lloyd brings me my daily supply of Chuppa Chups. He's one of the many
wheelchaired knights roaming the city championing good humour in the face of disability.
The duck man waddles by, he's in fine voice today and his quacks tell a story. Another
flock of souls lost in the city.Thursday
The boy and his family have returned. He has summoned more courage and his show continues.
How can I encourage him to come forward? Slowly, I reach into my pocket and pull out a
Chuppa Chup. The stakes are raised and he inches away from the crowd, leaving home and
family behind, an explorer venturing into the great unknown, his goal in sight. He reaches
up as I reach out in that suspended moment and victory is his. He takes his prize and runs
back to the safety of his parents.
Friday
The wind is off Antarctica today. It howls through the mall all morning and drops
to a light chilly breeze as the lunch time crowd hits the streets. I notice him from the
corner of my eye. The boy from yesterday approaches now as an old friend would, a gift in
his hand. He opens his hand to reveal a silver wrapped, over-loved piece of chocolate.
"This is for you Albert!" he says. I accept and again I am reminded about why I
am here.
|
