A performance piece for a mature lady.
DAY OF RECKONING
Yes --I'm OK thank you young man-- too kind-- no I didn't fall-- though I suppose I looked a bit awkward trying to get comfortable on the sand. Anyway I'm quite settled now---- this is where I used to come when I was a girl--- I'd sit for hours watching the sea. I loved it but I haven't been here for years--- my husband wouldn't bring me-- he said Blackpool was dirty. noisy. smelly and common and he wouldn't be seen dead here.He used to take me to Southport, he said it was more refined---- I thought it was dull--you were lucky if you caught a glimpse of the sea which always seemed to be flar and boring--- a bit like him--- not like here where there's plenty life.He was a bit la-di-da was Tom-- his mother's fault--when he passed for Grammar School she treated him as God's gift--always called him Thomas- it was bound to affect him I suppose.We got on OK most of the time---just ignored each other's faults like most 'happily marrieds'. It was an accident us getting wed in the first place, well the usual kind of accident that used to end up in marriage.Surprise you does it? Thought your generation invented sex did you?---everybody thinks so. He used to get on my nerves always wanting something better, something he couldn't have, it made him a right misery at times.I suppose his job didn't help--- called himself a manager but all he did was organise deliveries from the carpet store upstairs.They say we shouldn't speak ill of the dead-- why not? I say-- it can't hurt them can it? I suppose that amongst all the niggles and arguments of married life the one thing that really upset me was that he wouldn't bring me here. Seems silly doesn't it but sometimes it's the little things that nag at you , like having a stone in your shoe or well, lots of things--- Have you got a knife?---You youngsters always seem to carry knives these days--- thank you-- I can't seem to get this damned plastic super-seal bag open--- Ah--- that's done it--- thank you---better put that away..
There we are---no it's not sand---paler isn't it? I was surprised at the colour myself though I didn't know what to expect.---If I make a hole next to this post and empty the bag into it, mix it up and put this little dead crab on top that should do it--- there we are---there we are---really I should say,--- here we are at last.
What?---
The bag?
Oh didn't I say---they're Tom's ashes, he was cremated just last week.
There we are---no it's not sand---paler isn't it? I was surprised at the colour myself though I didn't know what to expect.---If I make a hole next to this post and empty the bag into it, mix it up and put this little dead crab on top that should do it--- there we are---there we are---really I should say,--- here we are at last.
What?---
The bag?
Oh didn't I say---they're Tom's ashes, he was cremated just last week.
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