A Man A Loan A Gun
If you read Portrait a couple of weeks ago you saw this guy from the outside. This is him from the inside. If he cared enough he would tell you exactly why Portrait was wrong about him. Fair enough- he didn’t sit, I had to work from an old black and white photo. I am still developing the roll, more to come from this guy and his city.
A Man A Loan A Gun
I have a Webley Mk IV 38 calibre revolver, My Dad somehow kept it From the Second World War. It has got me into trouble Just as many times as it got me out, Which is to say One of each. I don’t much like guns Especially when they are being pointed at me. Sometimes though I just get a feeling I should take the old girl out for a ride, And tonight was one of those nights. I didn’t have an appointment Followed my usual approach of just showing up. I wasn’t planning on robbing the place, Just wanted to see a man about a loan. He once said I could always come calling He would keep an eye out for me. The man was out. But his cash was in. I sent his money counters out for a break And helped myself to a bundle. I was on my way back to the Triumph When the man came back. He looked at me. Looked at the bag. Looked at me again. I looked at him. Swore. Pulled back my jacket to show him the gun. He swore. But neither of us moved. I like the guy so I asked him If there was any way we could work this out. And he said sure, I could shoot him. I’ve never shot any-one before But it's always been a possibility. I pulled the gun And surprised us both When I pulled the trigger. Except that I forgot to load it. He started laughing. And then so did I. We sat down for coffee And reached an arrangement He made me the loan Let me keep Dad's gun And his place- Lets say I boosted his security, Gratis.