The only discipline I've made for myself in writing this blog is to use a verb only once, and in the simple first person present tense, when devising titles. This leads to an interesting list-poem of a contents page in my recently published book, I Buy A New Washer. When thinking today about how to summarise my feelings, or take control, or how to make a complaint, I find I've used all these verbs already: summarising T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, taking the plunge, making a list. This forces me to express myself instead.
In order to keep the title current, 24-hour, and available, I've enlisted some help. Not everyone reads this blog, after all.
Here's the help, pictured below: known by some as Dennis, the tailor's mannequin, who's social distancing's answer to making clothes to fit when the rules meant dressing live models was not allowed. Dennis, by no means a dummy, but a well-crafted and articulated fellow, has been my elder son's constant sewing companion for over a year. He's remained at a constant weight and size, not gaining a single Covid-Kilo or Corona-Stone.
And here he is, relaxing in dressing gown, cap, and shades, after modelling my son's final year degree collection. He's expressing how I feel about the current trend for popping exhausts, 'sporty' engines, and high-speed chases through Shrewsbury's town centre: the popular sport of using the one-way system as if it were a race track.
I've written to my Shrewsbury and Atcham MP, my Quarry and Coton Hill Councillor, rung the police repeatedly (at their request - apparently, this is the only way that resources can be allocated), been referred to the 'Safer Neighbourhood Scheme'.
It's made no difference, except to my feelings of powerlessness, which have risen.
And then, Dennis, freed from his modelling duties for a while, stepped in. Dennis, in contrast, has raised his hand (or more specifically, his finger - just one, as his hands aren't articulate enough to make a V-sign) in support. He stands, day and night, expressing my feelings for me.
Thank you Dennis. I can relax now, knowing something is being done, that I'm being heard at last.
