I first met Jez Burrows whilst visiting friends in Leith in Edinburgh. We were walking past Cables Wynd House and through a group of lads which my hosts would have defined as NEDs (Non Educated Delinquents). They were passing around a two liter bottle of White Lighting and their eyes were following us. My friends walked past confidently but I, unused to attention from such a rough sort, was scared. These NEDs (No Equipped Decorum) must have sensed this. An arm shot out and grabbed mine.
I froze
All I could do was look up this tree trunk holding me, to its face atop a fat neck.
And I relaxed
His features was granite hard and he had a scar on his red left check, but his eyes. His eyes were sky blue and through subtle twitches and spasms they were trying to tell me that I was welcome to walk through his estate, despite my fay and foreign nature. That his friends and him, although rough and ready, were also gentle and welcoming and I had 'naught' to fear from anyone whilst I walked on his land.
These compassionate eyes set in a rock hard face were framed by a mane of golden locks that reached his thick set shoulders. He looked like a lion regarding a cub.
He opened his mouth to speak.
"I have never been able to grow a beard..." He rubbed his smooth chin
"...because all my power can be found in my hair." Like Samson I thought.
"But if I were to ever shave it all off, do you know what would happen?" I shook my head
"I would instantly grow a beard" I nodded vigorously, eager to agree
"And do you know what that would sound like?" He growled, bringing his head close to mine
"Imagine a large basin filled with flour......" His breath smelt of vinegar
"......then drop a dinner plate into it"
"Pooof" I said
"Exactly" he whispered and let go of my arm.
He handed me his card and we walked away. The exchange had lasted less than two minuets and that was the first time I met Jez Burrows.
1 comment:
all true.
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