This is based on things to do with the day job. It's a first draft and I'd
appreciate responses.
I'VE NEVER OFFERED A GLASS OF WATER
Usually when I ask him
if he wants a cup of tea
he usually says no, he's alright -
same if it's a soft drink.
I've never tried to offer a glass of water.
You'd think somebody who
looks as half-starved as him
would be glad of the gift
of a digestive biscuit
and something to drink.
But no, not so.
I've reflected on this,
decided it's a culture thing
that has alrrady decided it's a sin
to accept anything -
not from pride, but because
you'd be tainted
be getting into bed with
those official bastards
with cosy holes to climb into
and from - even if this one
seems an alright kind of a guy.
You can almost hear the informal
tutoring voice of warning, forming
the idea, declaring how things are
should be, saying: "just watch these cunts,
take nothing that stinks of kindness
or they'll have you where they want you,
grateful, willing to do anything
they want". A hesitation to step
from the accepted holds him.
Next time I'll offer a glass of water.
Knowing we all need it he might want it
to slake his thirst for other things
on this part of his journey
that he tentatively shares with mine.
James Bell
bw
James
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