"Up in the sky, ever so high......."

High, high in the sky, the sound of a long haul flight could be heard, as it played peek-a-boo with the clouds.  Above our heads the newly arrived beech leaves were rustling on swaying branches, as they’ve done each new spring for centuries.   On larger branches, every now and then, animated grey fur bounded along, tails aiding balance as each creature went about its business.   Below all this, a ‘guv’ stands and smiles wistfully, as only an old poop can at such a scene.   Meanwhile, even lower down, a hound trundles about, delighting in the fresh scents afforded by this new day.


Those of you who have wasted a little time with us on these rambles, will by now have realised that not much really happens, and somewhere around this old world, folk are doing similar strolls, and perchance later, they will see the same long haul flight passing over their heads.

The aged gent, is particularly chirpy this day, for the discovery of a nearly full tube of Polos has been discovered in his old coat pocket, and shortly the boy Bing will be even more chipper when he discovers the old poop has remembered a small snack or three.

Below, a few rooftops of old Lowtown can be glimpsed through the trees in one direction, whilst a turn of 180 degrees shows the ancient forest stretching away into the distance.  It’s playtime at the local school and across the wind comes the general hubbub of children.

This reverie is broken by a nudge on the knee.

‘Hello hello, he’s back with us.’

‘What? Oh Bing, what’s a foot?’

‘About 12 inches guv.’

‘M'mmm, I asked for that.’

‘And it was duly delivered old poop.’

The lad has recently had a ‘short back and sides’ and is looking leaner and fitter than ever.  Frankly, since then he’s been looking most pointedly at my hair, and I get the distinct impression that a ‘subtle’ hint will be made in the near future. I decide to try and take his mind of me.

‘I must say Bing, you are looking quite different after your recent trip to the salon.’

‘Well guv, the staff are mighty friendly and take a good deal of trouble.’

‘Good, good….rather like Rossini’s barber....civil? Ha-ha, do you get it Bing? Barber? C-I-V-I-L? Rossini? Oh my, that’s a gem, Ha-ha!’

I receive a look of great puzzlement, but still a soppy grin remains on my face.

‘Guv, even for you that was pretty terrible.’

‘Really?….Ha-ha it’s tickled me no end…Ha-ha!’

The noble brow looks kindly upon me and I’m suddenly aware that any passing stroller would be puzzled by an idiot cackling to himself whilst a dog looks on with great compassion!

An attempt to compose myself is made, and I stall for time by proffering a snack to the lad.

Folks, I put my light-headed state, down to the delight of spring in the air.  For, despite strenuous efforts, I found it extremely hard to regain a suitably sensible demeanour, and the glimpse of a smirk danced upon my lips as the lad finished savouring his...um....savoury.

‘Are you alright guv?’

‘Why yes of course I am, I’m quite, quite myself once again………’

‘M’mm, well I don’t want you frightening the ducks and such.’

‘Bingo, I do assure you I am quite in control, quite, quite….yes, yes…..quite.’

The lads eyes narrowed, as he sniffed in my direction most pointedly, before turning and trundling down a path that would ultimately bring us to the duck pond.

I towed along behind, and with each step made every effort to regain a sensible face, and forget the poor pun. Engrossed as I was, I failed to spot the unexpected muddy pile of leaves, and slipped and slithered some distance before managing to stop forward momentum by sitting on my bottom.

The lead went slack and ahead I saw the broad grin of the newly trimmed hound wagging his tail with great mirth!

‘Now old poop THAT is funny!’

I regained my vertical position with as much dignity as I could muster, and laughed uncontrollably…….despite nearing the duck pond.  My companion led the way along the well trodden trail, tail wagging. He, delighted with my pratt fall……….and me remembering Rossini’s barber!!

 

　

Shush!…………..say nothing!