Tag: ghosts, writing, poetry, art

I was in Boston where I had never been before, looking at a truncated map which was also printed in a manner too small for my weak eyes. Wandering about the city, I found myself lost, on cobble stone streets in an alley which ran between two ancient brick buildings. I noticed a street urchin leaning against the damp wall, cap pulled down but very obviously watching me. I hailed to him for some assistance.

“Boy!” I called. “Come here this instant. Quick quick, come assist an old man.”

The scrungy creature had been leaning against the brick wall in a most surly manner. He raised his head not an inch, but I still sensed a watchfulness, a somnolent presence, a sickly stare.

“Here! Boy! Where on this map do you see Winthrop?”

My weak eyesight unfortunately put me at the mercy of such creatures. He took his time coming over, and he apparently had all the time in the world whereas I was needing to be gone from this dreary place in East Boston and on my way to my niece’s luncheon that instant! That I required the services of such a one curled my inner hair.

“What you need Guv’nor?” he asked. I contemplated the question, which should have been plain as I had stated my desire in a clear and firm voice, and I considered the title he had used in greeting me, sounding alarmingly like a pseudo-Dickens speech that was being used to mock me.

“Nevermind lad,” I said curtly, folding the miniscule map with some difficulty. “I’ll take care of this myself.”

I made a smart turn and took the opportunity to leave that place when he again spoke, very quickly appearing in front of my and blocking my egress:

“I’m awful so-wee Guv’nor, didn’t know you had such a sensitive bug up yer rump.”

I could hardly believe this. Did my station count for nothing? This…boy addressing me in this manner. Outrageous! But underneath my outrage, the smallest sense of danger.

“Pardon me, why in the world do you think you can speak to one of your betters in this manner?”

The urchin lowered his head and stared at me from under his cap. Oh, he played his part to the hilt so that I almost laughed aloud! Until-

“You best watch your-sef Guv’nor, or I’ll be readin’ that map from the inside o’ your belly.” He then paused for effect before popping open a knife. A very long, sharp, thin blade. “With me knife,” he added, unnecessarily.

As I have often been complimented on my keen sense of timing, I sensed that at this juncture leaving the alley would be the best action to take.

I addressed him as I would a long time friend as I inched very slowly around him. “Well old fellow, I’d best be going, don’t want to keep the party waiting! You know Elise’s temper can get the best of her!”

And I ran for my life.

Several blocks later I dared to slow and look back. No creature, no urchin flailing behind me. Empty streets, fog rolling in.

I resolved to purchase some much needed spectacles. And a new map.