Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Year(s) (01/20/11)
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TITLE: Life...and What Got Me Here | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rikki Akeo
01/27/11 -
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For an old man like me, that's just about an everyday occurrence. But, it wasn't always this way. No sir.
When I was a youngster, early twenties or so, I lived by a clock. Rose to the clamoring of twin bells. You know, them clocks with the miniature hammer that banged back and forth? I'd rise pre-dawn and rush off to work after my caffeine fix. Clock in. Clock out. And you bet I knew when it was the weekend, too. Kept mighty fine track of that. No doubt, I lived by routine.
Now, see---now, the sunlight from my window nudges me awake. Filters through my thinning eyelids usually just as my dream was gettin' good. Yea, takes me a little while to drift off with a bed like mine. Hardly a difference between it and the floor 'cept I'm elevated from any pests likened to crawl up my nose or tunnel through my ears. Don't get out much either, which sorta makes dreams my escape. Funny thing, too, cause I don't remember 'em much.
Single. Ain't no room for a 'Mrs.' anyway--though I s'pose my place could use a woman's touch. Was married just the one time. Her name was Margaret and she was a looker in her day. Dolled herself up right down to them eyelash doohickeys. 'Peggy' batted them at me and I was instantly hooked like bass to a lure. Got hitched, a house, and an honest living so fast It'd make your head spin. Wasn't long either 'fore Peggy started in on me.
'Put the seat down!'
You know. Stuff like that. Now, the seat to my john stays up.
Anyhow, none of that matters.
From time to time, I'm visited by a single bird that manages to perch outside my window. He can sing a tune, too! Can't say I'm a big fan on music of any sort, but, for him, I make an exception. I remember once, going home early to find a vinyl playing and some of Peggy's best china sitting around two glowing candlesticks. Her beloved 'Charlie' perfume lingered above the scent of freshly baked bread. Thought to myself...How'd she know I was gonna surprise her?
Sigh…
So, I keep a stale dinner roll tucked away for when my bird friend visits. Tell you the truth--I'm not even sure it's the same bird. I'd like to think he is and wish he'd happen by when I'm outside in the yard. Don't laugh, but, yea, I sun my wrinkles and stretch my aching joints now and again. There was a time when my physique was similar to that of an athlete. Peggy used to say 'All that muscle and you can't lift a finger to do any of the things that need doin' 'round here?' I always shook it off. Could've defended myself by reminding her that I worked while she stayed home. Besides, the house can only get so clean. Know what I mean?
That day, the day I surprised her, I came home with one of them chocolate heart boxes and a rose. Seeing that she wasn't in any of the front rooms, I helped myself to the breadbasket. Humph. Don't get that kinda home cookin' nowadays...
After a spell, I went lookin' for Peggy.
Found her, too.
If only I'd stuck to my old routine, I wouldn't have this one.
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