a trolley man's IMPRESSIONS

He opens the curtains. He staggers back from the piercing rays that injure. He closes himself from the pain momentarily. He gingerly peers out, viewing the rough, uncertain terrain as parasites begin their days in the broken land. The clouds that threaten like a bull waiting to charge… malicious movements and sinister thoughts are revealed by a harsh wind that pushes against his skin. His flesh reacts in hostility, pulling tightly together, cowering like a dog from a raised hand. He forces his gaze to THAT market place, dirty, loud and teeming with soulless life-consumers. The stench of rotting meat causes him to gag, he can almost taste the aged flesh – he pauses. He notices with disgust the robots. Each machine attempts to leech the others energy, drowning their competition, while vainly striving to stay afloat in the ugliness they label HUMANITY. The females screech like struggling pigs haggling for their lives. They curse their offspring while violently protecting them from – others. The primal instinct to provide for the young causes squabbling among the bitches…he sees there is enough. The males stagger, fall, their nature accustomed to violence. He remembers a time. He does not understand why they fail to notice the futility of competing for the title of ALPHA-MALE in a HUMAN society. He watches the cubs scatter, confusion, distraction. Each trivial hurt reflected in a chilling scream, crying, pleading, begging. The noise echos violently, torturing his mind – he can’t shut it out – LIFE. He needs a moment respite.

He opens the curtains. He stumbles forward, embracing the penetrating light. He closes his eyes, savouring the warmth on his aged features. He eagerly looks out to the awakening world. The hilly terrain covered in a morning frost delights his already stimulated mind. He notices the petite creatures gently peering out of their nooks – their fascination and timidity heightening his sense of tenderness and charity. He gazes up, admiring those soft, mellow clouds – grey, blue, yellow, pink, orange, violet. Sentimental words and gentleness are experienced by the breeze that caresses his flesh. He relaxes and embraces the tenderness of its touch. He looks out over the market place, exciting, loud and bustling with energetic life. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread fills his nostrils, he can almost taste its melodic warmth – he pauses. He affectionately notices the populace. He sees the gathering HUMANITY flock to each other like a herd, seeking kinship, protection and love; each person acknowledging LIFE in the other. The women gossip chirpily among themselves, enjoying the company of friendly eyes. They playfully swat at their cheeky offspring while instinctively bartering down loud, expectant vendors endeavouring to provide treats for the children. Satisfaction. The husbands powerfully protective, strut, boast, daring the younger males to challenge their authority. They enthusiastically and vainly compete for the role of ALPHA-MALE – they good-naturedly laugh at themselves. He remembers a time. He watches the children, running energetically, leaping with the joy of momentary freedom, laughter… The sounds torture his senses with pleasure – he wants to feel more – LIFE. He reflects a moment.