For a man with a poor command of English, he managed
to describe his recent redundancy with aplomb.
“One week, everything perfect; the next week —”
He mimicked a noose being fixed around his neck and
I sat and watched his eyes bulge.
He worked as a welding engineer for 30 years.
Commuted 15 minutes a day from one village to the next.
Saved up enough to buy two Italian motorbikes —
the brand escapes me — one with a sidecar for his wife.
Got laid off when the Americans liquidized the company.
I asked him what plan B was. He said “Beer.”
I told him that probably wasn´t the best idea, what with the
motorbikes and all that.
He said “No, I make beer.”
I told him that was a brilliant idea, what with microbreweries
being all the rage these days.
I held my knuckles up as a congratulatory gesture expecting
a fist bump, but he didn´t understand the protocol
and left me hanging.
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It´s been a while since I posted anything.
Too many years of wearing that welder's helmet!*
Not only words but also gestures can be misunderstood.
Perfect depiction. Funny and sad at the same time. Great timing too.
Excellent.
Thanks - appreciate the comments
Nice work. You gotta love this guy. I'd love to taste his work.
Very nice, Neil. I can imagine the welder turned brewer later realizing the fist bump protocal, but not feeling wistful at a missed opportunity for camaraderie because he is too practical.