©DavidVale
RETIREMENT
John picked up the ride token
before it escaped through the gap in the pier floor.
‘I’ll save that’ he thought, as
he popped it into his pocket.
He loved looking through the
slats to the undulating waves beneath, lit by the multi-coloured lights that
adorned the pleasure park. This was his favourite time, closing time. The smell
of burgers and candy-floss still hung in the air. The latest songs echoed
around the empty rides. Chip papers floated on the cool sea breeze. For forty
years he had walked the pier, the gate keys hanging idly from a chain on his
belt. Tonight was to be his last, unsure of what the future held for him away
from here. He slipped the large clanking chain through the gates and fixed the
lock, shaking it, just to make sure! Reaching up he twisted the
bulb in the light that illuminates the entrance sign till it flickered on. Standing
back he read the newly pasted poster.
CLOSED
KEEP OUT
DUE FOR DEMOLITION©Mills Laine
Love it - really evocative description.
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