Poppyshow

(Scene takes place in a rum-shop at Carr’s Bay full of sand-flies and conversation of drivers rushing in to get a quick pick me up for the road ( each man in his private sadness). Man enters and orders two Guinness and a Climax. He looks over his shoulder and sees me sitting by the bar.)

HIM: You the writer?

ME: Guilty!

HIM: My woman likes your work. She say you good. Funny.

ME: Tell her thank you.

HIM: Yeah man. (to barkeeper) How much I have for you? (Pays with a fifty dollar bill and then tries to negotiate his way to the door with the three items and pocket his change at the same time) Well, keep up the good work!

ME: And you. Don’t forget to tell your woman I send her blessing.

Bartender: (Leaning over the counter and whispering to me as man exits) Is funny how they always say that to you. “My woman say you good. “ But they never buy you nothing.

ME: If you play fife for them, that’s at least entertainment. What is art? Poppyshow. God bless Montserrat woman. They the only ones that read anything. If you have to depend on Montserrat man to read, is dead you dead!

Bartender: (Wiping counter) Every time! That’s just the way it is. (He turns to serve next customer) Well, keep up the good work!

ME: (Reaching for fife) The kindness of strangers!

(Darkness)