Like a Fleeting Zephyr (Part 2) - A Short Story

Fred could inescapably be described in simple words – happy-go-lucky. An initial notice of him never left an impressive opinion of a striking personality. Brown eyes, a firmly fixed nose, a pair of small lips that twitched intermittently, coupled with a smooth-shaven face did complement his gangling physique.

They met for the first time at an ordinary spot but in an unusual circumstance – a Chicken-and-Chips kiosk.

“Chips please”, they both chorused at the stand ordering for the crispy-looking bouquet of chips, at the same time. Looking inexpressively at each other, Fred offered her a wry smile.

“Please I’m very sorry”, the kiosk-tender alarmed, “this is the last pack I have for today. Just about closing for the day. I guess it’s only one of you that has to take the bunch.”

They involuntarily stared at each other again. “All right”, said Fred, “ladies first.” The kiosk-tender chuckled. “No, c’mon”, exclaimed Amy, “I’d always do without the chips. You go ahead and take the stuff.”

Fred took a mock bow, “I insist.”

The tender giggled out loudly, “Senorita, honour the gentleman’s request. You can have the chips.”

Amy, defeated, unwillingly took the pack, as she fidgeted through her handbag to pay for the snack.

“Care for some mayonnaise or ketch-up?”, the kiosk-tender inquired.

To be continued...

Adewale Ajani

© AMA January 2006

Like a Fleeting Zephyr (Part 1) - A Short Story

“No. Thanks, Hilda. I think I’d rather stay indoors to read some novels, have some nice burgers and watch some movies. You guys should have a nice time. Cheerio.”

“C’mon Amy,” Hilda replied with an insisting tone, while appraising her swimming trunk in the mirror, “you’ve been very busy with the volunteer group all this while. I think you deserve a break – take some time out at the beach, enjoy the warm radiant sun, meet a couple of guys…”

“I said no!”, snapped Amy. Hilda turned from the mirror and strolled in her direction, with a persuasive look on her face. “Hey, you’ve been unnecessarily edgy about this whole issue. A couple of hours at the resort won’t…”

“No! No!! No!!! Please let me be!” Amy screamed and burst into tears as she ostentatiously flung the hardcover magazine she was reading at an enthralled Hilda, who narrowly missed being hit by the novel by a trifle.

Standing perplexed and confused for a few reclusive moments, Hilda mustered up some courage to approach Amy, who had withdrawn into a niche of her bed, uncontrollably sobbing. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to do that, but…” she paused, “…you won’t understand.”

Hilda stooped toward her disquieted mate staring at her, obviously carked as well. Eventually, she sat on the edge of the bed dotingly close to assuage the feelings of her perturbed friend. “Amy, it seems there’s more to this issue about going to the beach. I’m quite shocked seeing you reacting like that.” She rhetorically inquired, as she soothingly stroke Amy’s hair. “I know I’m in the dark about something. All this while the feeling won’t go. Please tell me, what’s the bother and whole emotions about?”

Amy looked up. She momentarily stared into Hilda’s extremely bewildered face, searching for an assurance deep within those eyes. Her gaze dropped. “Forget it Hilda. You won’t understand.” Hilda didn’t give up. “Come off it girl. I can’t live with this feeling about you hiding something away from me. It makes me feel creepy and untrustworthy. Please whatever it is, you have a confidant in me.”

Again, Amy burst into tears. “All right, I will”, she mumbled between sobs, as Hilda affectionately drew her toward her bosom, “I will…”

To be continued...

Adewale Ajani

© AMA January 2006

Confessions on a Restroom Floor

Weird as it may seem, I always look forward
To an opportunity of visiting my restroom
Not only to answer nature’s ineluctable call
But to wassail the short privacy and secrecy
Availed me by none but Artemis* herself

Strange are the things I do and cerebrate
As I ticklishly and relievably counterpoise
On the rim of the majestically white throne
To refreshingly eliminate from my bowels
Spin-offs from the process of digestion

Stupefying are the thoughts and cognitions
That vivaciously gush through my intellect
“Eureka!” my mind involuntarily exclaims
As I discover long-searched-for resolutions
To erstwhile intricate daunting life’s issues

These unacknowledged life’s time-outs
Are always cherished and fully optimised
As I bizarrely sojourn in my restroom
With books, scripts, newspapers and all
That ordinarily don’t get my attention

* Artemis is the Greek goddess of nature

Adewale Ajani
© AMA JANUARY 2006

The First Time...

So beauteous the sight
Yet so cold the touch
So awesome the feeling
Seeing it the first time

Heard so much about it
Seen pictures of its immaculacy
But nothing can be exhilarating
Touching it the first time

Stepping into it I dread
Yet the longing is irresistible
Inadequate a handful is
Holding it the first time

Boldly I embrace its fall
‘Never seems to suffice you
When you experience the snow
Falling on you the first time

Adewale Ajani
© AMA December 2005