Another Jug


The first love hurt, that was the worst. She was the big one, I’ll never feel for a woman like that again. When my wife left it was OK, except financially of course, she screwed me to the wall. I had to buy myself out of the long term commitment to her, re-mortgage the house. Now she drives her boyfriend around in a Volkswagon Toureg – MY Toureg, my money bought it.


I‟ve just ordered another jug, this is the one that in the morning he will say, if only you hadn‟t bought the last jug. He continues: that woman, I was crazy about her. The sort of love that makes you cut people up, lie and steal for. We had a daughter I haven’t seen her for nearly twenty years. He looked at his palm as if his mobile nestled there, I know the number, I could dial it now, after all these years. His gaze switches to the stage. The three Philippina singers are launching into Achy-breaky-heart. That one he says, face like a young Diana Ross, hair touched with a tar brush, body tight as a drum, legs that don’t seem right close together. She’s my dream.


Effrin Montez and the A-live Band finish their set. A record plays over the sound system: Money can buy you a fine dog, only love can make it wag its tail. I order another jug.


IFOR THOMAS


Image (right): Painting by Pedro Campos Centre page:


Illustration by Jennie Harvey


Other images: Photos by Nick Fisk, or borrowed from the internet


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