air

In terms of playing catch-up, I kept my word to the marvellous Becci Brown and her creative efforts by writing down one thing every day while I was away that was cool. Expect them up and about as soon as I find broadband and time.

*****

We'll talk about a book I read once instead. It was called Music and Silence, I forget who it was by, the only memorable things about it were a whole family of sons sleeping with their stepmother and the way that the perspective changed from character to character.

The best passages in the novel started: "the thoughts of Marcus Tilsen, plucked from the air."

It was years ago, but I remembered that.

Thoughts then. Not from the air as such but from bus tickets, train tickets, roach paper, leaflets and envelopes. Things that I've put down and refound today.

Darling, shall we see if there's anything special for sale in Bristol? To Hayley, on the back of an evangelical pamphlet, in reference to our ongoing search for a dealer.

Did you forget that this was supposed to be GOOD NEWS? Found on the same pamphlet, beneath the phrase 'eternal fires', accompanied by someone else's handwriting - Wankers!

In the margins of my diary:

Back to back, he says, no funny business-
I
just
don't
know

They say today is the longest day. Yesterday felt longer.

Only 1% of the public give regularly to charity. Over-committed my arse.

She sings, more damage than a heart could hold. How can yuo be so wonderful, why won't you answer your phone?

Across a bus ticket, a packet of Swan filter tips and an envelope:

Homeless guy; homeless Peter-

Peter is playing the pipes, topless, selling burning bundles of rosemary on the pavement; he whiskery kisses my hand as we part.

Ten pounds for two bundles, I say, some drinks and a smoke mate, enjoy yourself.

Mini Milk for the lady, fundraising, stressed with the rudeness that rich can afford, a present, unbidden, from a man -

- a man who sneaks into the cathedral and cold, grinning, behind graves rests.

On a London Travelcard:

Consider a girl, on a bench, in a churchyard, wondering the nature of things. She knows to tell things precisely, for out of words, exactly as they are, the greatest stories come.

The churchyard is appropriate for it is answers she considers; 'consideration' is important for it is of judgement that she writes.

The breeze, the bench, the cigarettes, the ticket stub will tell this story. The conclusion she will take is only this: her words will be all that is considered; her said and how she said it will tell this story.