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Man on the Top (Deck of the bus) Outsideleft is thrilled to bring Man on the Top, brand new fiction from our newest contributor, Artist and Sculptor, Julie O

Man on the Top (Deck of the bus)

Outsideleft is thrilled to bring Man on the Top, brand new fiction from our newest contributor, Artist and Sculptor, Julie O

by Julie O, Arts Editor
first published: July, 2013

approximate reading time: minutes

Today is the day Geoff will start to de-materialise

Geoffrey Hamilton is nearly 63 years old. He still wears his original Casio digital watch which was given to him on his 30th birthday by his mother. This goes some way to prove that he hasn't gained any weight on his wrists for over 30 years. Occasionally Geoffrey wonders whether this is in fact normal yet is not overly concerned and in fact it pleases him in a small way.

He is tall, maybe 6ft 2ish, slightly stooped but with a strong body. Definitely not a thin and wiry kind of stoop. His body is in proportion. The torso in relation to the arms and legs are correct. Of considerable length and solid. His mother often said he would have made a good policeman. Geoffrey never admitted to his mother that the thought of becoming a policeman made him afraid. He did in fact have nightmares for some years in which he dreamed his mother had signed a contract signing him up to be in the police force for a minimum of 21 years.

He has thick white hair cut short then shorter again around the ears. Soft amiable honest heavy face. Threatening pendulous. Clear lightly tanned skin, doughy in texture and vaguely lined.

Today he is wearing a Powder Blue short sleeved shirt, ironed and tidy looking. White flecked faun (nylon?) trousers with a neat front crease. Heavy brown leather sandals on the feet. Large strong looking hands rest on his lap with wispy hair on the knuckles.

Today Geoffrey is waiting at the bus stop. The weather is warm and welcoming and Geoffrey is relaxed not only because of the mild weather but also because he knows this is the day that he needs to listen out for some instructions.

Today is the day Geoff will leave the city on a double decker bus.
Today is the day Geoff will sit on the top deck in the front seats (with the big window).
Today is the day Geoff will visit a village he has never been to before.
Today is the day Geoff will have a bath in a strangers house.
Today is the day Geoff will start to de-materialise. 

Julie O
Arts Editor

Outsideleft Arts Editor, Julie O is a sculptor and writer. She is currently putting together a literary arts based magazine in get this, print. You will be able to hold it in your hands.
about Julie O »»

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