The man’s suit was a fine cloth, but the cut was a little dated. His beard was white, close-cut on the sides, but extended at his chin to square his jaw. His shock of white hair was thinning on to…
The man’s suit was…
The man’s suit was a fine cloth, but the cut was a little dated. His beard was white, close-cut on the sides, but extended at his chin to square his jaw. His shock of white hair was thinning on top. He sat on the sun drenched park bench, newspaper folded beside him and a blackthorn walking stick with a filigreed silver handle leaned against the bench arm. Shine, sir? The boy smiled. “Well, let me see. Do my shoes look like they need a shine?” “Better than most, sir, but might do with a freshening.” “Well perhaps, then. How much for such a service?” The boy stated the price firm…
Alan Cay Culler
March 20, 2025 
