Wednesday 31 August 2011

A corned-beef and pickles chap


Sitting lightly in the palm of his hand, the briefcase added to his feeling of self-worth. He could smell the Dubbin that he had scraped into its creases the previous night before the hearth, with Bach’s 3rd ‘cello suite oozing out of the gramophone. He felt blessed by the early morning starts: his chance to catch the whiff of a new day. He knew that inside his briefcase, tucked into a pocket, was his lunch of corned beef and pickles on country-grain. Neatly wrapped in grease-proof paper, and slipped into a plain brown paper bag. He always ate early, while sipping a mug of steaming Ceylon black, going over the figures, yet again, comparing Mr Simpson’s ledger with his own mechanised version, searching for the discrepancy.

11 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

I love your imagination, Julie. The back of a stranger seen from a distance gives you a whole story to share with us. Wonderful.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Alan said...

Nice black and white, nice narrative, Julie.

Ann said...

Love the title but I would associate corned beef and pickles with a flat cap and checked jacket. Or is that the Pom in me coming out. Now you've got me thinking that I haven't had corned beef and pickles for years. Rather like it.

brattcat said...

bless your beautiful, spooling imagination.

Peter said...

Lovely shot and accompanying fable.

Anonymous said...

Love your story and your b&w photo fits it perfectly...

Dianne said...

Corned beef and pickles on country grain - eaten whilst sipping strong ceylon black - a hard working small businessman who has pooled all his resources to make the business a success - but is there mischief afoot - I tend to think there is!

Mo said...

A great story makes you want to know more about him.

Joe said...

I am sooooo impressed. What a wonderful, well written story to accompany this photo. Fantastic Julie.

Joan Elizabeth said...

That is a really great photo when embiggened.

I thought my laptop bag was like a second limb, like that bloke's briefcase. But would you believe I left it on the seat at the railway station last night. A small heart attack and quick call to security as my train disappeared into the distance saved the day.

Chrissy Brand said...

What a wonderful photo and gripping narrative- you are very talented Julie

Chrissy
http://mancunianwave.blogspot.com/