The crescendo of the buzz of a bee draws near. A distant
component of the background soundtrack bringing reality to the day. As a dog
pricks his ears, so heads are turned to view the approaching source of the
sound. This is no bee.
The scuttling shoppers, school children and office workers
are parted by the fast approaching addition to the high street scene.
A character who with cannot fail to replace a furrowed brow
with a glimpse of cheer. The weathered face of a scaffolder overhead, downs
tools to watch. The ruddy faced toddler is silenced mid-tantrum. Here he comes.
Velvet slippered feet straddle the standard issue mobility
scooter. Collar turned up against the breeze of momentum. The tweed trilby,
perhaps a nod to a smarter more youthful day. The look completed by the highly
practical, somewhat amusing addition of a pair of rubber science goggles.
Either this speed merchant was making a hasty getaway from a lab experiment
gone wrong, or he simply had a reckless love of speed.
Assuming the latter, there is a tangible respect felt on the
street for this overgrown daredevil. As smirks are shared between those
witnessing such unbridled rebellion, a challenge is brought to the table: You
are never too old to have fun. Those brave enough to take the challenge will be met with the turning of heads and nods of admiration. Quite rightly so.
