Private, Proud & Set In His Ways.

An old man sat

by his one bar electric fire

in the dark. His pension

he had to make last

until his next payday.

Having paid all his bills

and rent for this week

for his little apartment.

And getting in his food and toiletries

for the week ahead.

As well as the little bit

he had left.

He keeps incasing

of emergencies.

He is not one of these

lucky pensioners.

That has a holiday home

abroad in the sunshine.

And every few months in

the year.

Travels off to it and

stays for a while.

In the sun away

from the snow and cold here.

So here he is

huddled up

in front of his little fire.

With all his clothes on

and a heavy coat.

Trying to keep warm.

Every night.

And he has his radio

and television

as his companions.

He loves to listen to them.

None of his neighbours

knows about him.

He lives in an area

where everyone

tends to keep

to themselves.

And to me,

that is so sad.

No community centre

for him to go to

and mix.

As they closed

the last one down

a few years back.

And he can't afford

to place a bet

on the horses

like he used to do.

As the bills keep going up

yearly.

And all his old pals.

Over the years have died.

And he is the only one left.

His adult kids check on him.

But he is private, proud

and asks no one for anything.

He is lovely, to be honest.

Bill is a sweetheart.

Kind, decent and loving.

But keeps himself to himself.

When his wife was alive.

Betty would tell my mum.

As she worked in the local

corner shop in those days.

And was a chatty lady

and friendly. She told us about

Bill and his private ways.

Keeping to himself and having

dinner ready for her when she

returned home from a hard day

at the shop working.

I often think of him and Betty.

And bump into his son or daughter

odd time. Who tells me he is well

and doing okay.

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

I can relate to Bill, wanting to keep to himself and practicing his private ways. The world has changed so much for him that he may no longer feel like he can be part of it. Perhaps food, shelter, privacy, and routine visits from his children is all that he wants and needs.

[Onlyme]

I agree Samuel, That was my thinking too. Thanks for your thoughts. Dawn.

[magensby]

Sounds like Bill has found his peace. In a place where everyone keeps to themselves perhaps that is the best that he can do. So many like Bill in this world and each person has their own definition of peace. Thnx for the read.

[Paul Bell]

The sad thing about Bill and other pensioners who live on their own is, they're probably owed money from the state, but just don't know. You paint a miserable picture of Bill. Being private has its drawbacks in this life. Not enough befriending clubs out there.

[Onlyme]

I guess you can take that both ways Paul, sad and lonely and miserablem but also He has his children, he is set in his ways he seems to accept his lot and life. And being a private person in general that is his ways. And I agree Paul, the state most properly owes him money. But getting the state to cough up is another matter. He's proud and would never ask for a penny. I feel for him. And a lot of older people who prefer being alone to company everyday of the week.

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, I suppose so. Just thinking of the ones who come into the country and get everything.