Tel:07931730037
E-mail: onthepage.info@tesco.net
Part 1
I'm an old lady and spend a lot of time watching the coming and goings on the park opposite my house. My comfortable armchair is placed in the big bay window of my bedroom. The scene is changing all the time.
A large Chestnut tree stands 100 yards from the entrance; under the tree is a park seat.
At night an old tramp called Sammy uses THE SEAT as his bed, first placing a sheet of plastic to stop the draught coming up. Then he rolls an old jumper as his pillow and uses his large heavy overcoat as a blanket; the park keeper knows him well and turns a blind eye. As the sun rises, he takes a packet of sandwiches out of a bag. My next door neighbour gives him some every night. He will share these with a dog that comes to see him very morning at the same time. The birds will fight for the crumbs. He then wanders around the town and local market; he's well known and liked. This leaves THE SEAT empty.
Next on THE SEAT is a retired man. He likes to read the morning paper and watch the children making their way to school. Mums with prams and pushchair ' son the way to the shops will say "Hello" to him. Sometimes he will be joined on the seat by someone else. 1 wonder what they talk about.
Come lunch time a young man sits on THE SEAT, waiting for his girl friend. She often brings him a sandwich or pot noodles and always brings bread for the birds. Then it's back to work for them both. I often wonder if this boy and girl will marry or perhaps find some one else!!
Children going home from school will sit on THE SEAT. Perhaps they discuss homework, or dream of what they will do that night. They will always eat a packet of crisps or biscuits, dropping crumbs on the path. The birds will come again and eat the crumbs after every one has gone home.
Next Sammy the tramp will come back
Or will he?
