Wake up. Radio blaring. Switch off. Sigh.
Roll over. Empty pillows. Coffee. Breakfast. TV on.
Clean teeth. Shower. Dress. Blue tie, grey suit.
Leave house. Climb in car.
Conversations - nil.
Drive to work. Park.
See co-workers. Head down. Ignored.
Walk to desk. Empty cubicles.
Sit down. Turn on computer. Work. Numbers.
Conversations - nil.
Lunchtime. Grab bag. Leave desk.
Eat lunch (toilet). Read Dostoevsky.
Hear co-workers. Fingers in ears.
Safe. Wait for 1.30. Return to desk. Work. Numbers.
Conversations - nil.
Nervous. Sickness rising. Watch clock. 3.23.
Brush hair. Straighten tie. Lean back. Casual.
Hand shaking. Hold it. Wait for her.
Holding breath. Calm.
...
"No post today, Jack. See ya."
...
Smile. Say something. Nod.
...
Gone. Walking away. Pushing mailcart.
Inhale perfume. Dream.
Conversations - nil.
Work. Numbers. 5.30. Turn off computer.
Tidy desk. Leave work.
Climb in car. Drive home.
Park. Enter house.
Conversations - nil.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow will be different.
Friday, 25 March 2011
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6 comments:
Wow. So much emotion is conveyed in this simple form - loneliness, fear, anxiety, rejection, hope. Excellent job.
Nice work, this. Worryingly though, this guy could go off the rails for complete lack of a support system.
And everyone will say, "Quiet, kept to himself, seemed a nice enough guy...". The mail clerk will be surprised that the guy who always smiled turned out so crazy.
Our obsessions make our own hells. This is a good glimpse at one in the making.
Well done,
The fellow really needs a good chat. Perhaps he should start on the internet and work his way up to a real life life. Otherwise, how bleak things could remain (or become). What a routine.
Wow, what a life, I think the poor guy is in dire need of some hugs.
Oh, thank goodness for that last positive line! I thought for sure this would lead to his suicide, so glad he still holds hope.
Wonderful work Clive, how you sum up so much emotion in so few words.
dig it. i think many people who've did the 9-5er have at some point said tomorrow will be different to find themselves playing the role of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.
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