Fay's Flutter

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Wed, 01 Jul 2015
  • 4951 reads
10 comments
 
An ocean of mixed rinses dazzles; 
outside it’s drab; grizzled anoraks 
drift by, but in the bingo hall it’s warm – 
as, pen in hand, Fay spreads her cards
before her like a florid fortune-teller.
 
“Eyes down, and we’re ready to roll!” 
stuns the serried ranks of tables –
troops set for battle as hush pervades; 
the cacophonous crackle of an errant
pack of Wotsits warrants an avid chorus
of tut-tuts. 
 
“Let’s get this show on the road, ladies, 
and gent! Sunset strip – 77... and 2 little ducks, 
22,” as daubers daub, 19 to the dozen, 
while the odd, black square springs up, 
on cards a bit like missing teeth. 
 
Fay fiddles with a string of 50’s poppit beads 
that fidget her neck, as familiar incantations 
set off her palpitations. “Unlucky for some, 13...
two fat ladies, 88...sweet 16, and never
been kissed, if you believe...
That’s a 1 and a 6.”
 
Then someone hollers, “Bingo!” as a member
of the elite, pink-rinse brigade checks their card, 
and you could hear the proverbial pin drop,
as she OKs it with the caller. 
 
Fay goes home to her lonely bedsit – dreams 
of winning, unrequited. A mug’s game, 
and she knows it...poorer by half,  but richer 
for the company she craves, so it doesn’t matter... 
what does is counting down the days, 
until same time next week.
 
 
 
 
 
Certificate PG
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Philosophy
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by celticman on

the only winners are the losers. sadly. Enjoyed this snatch of life. 

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, celtic.  Appreciatedsmiley

 

Submitted by Starfish Girl on

Never played, but my mother loved it. As you say, the thrill of the possibility of winning together with the company.

There are some great lines, and exceptionally descriptive, I can picture it quite vividly.

Lindy

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Hi there, Lindy.  My mum was hooked too. Way back though, there were no 'bingo halls' ...only way to play was on the pier, or in the amusement arcades when we went on our yearly holiday mostly to Southend, or Hastings.  As soon as we'd unpacked, off she would go and come back to the B and B with many a soft toy, or china dog.  Bless her.

So pleased you enjoyed, because I enjoyed writing it toosmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Art of the Diver on

What a clever and masterly write Tina, love the rinse brigade of WOTSITs... The almost But luck of numbers and the Gent!  Well done and as always a winner with those red boys in the top corner. Thank you for a very pleasurable read - I like so I'll Like...  yes

Rob

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, Rob.  Let's here it for the WOTSITswink

Tina

 

Submitted by Shannan on

Wonderful to have something to look forward to, a purpose, no matter what :) 

We all need people, and I don't care what the loners say.

I'm in awe that you put 77 first, seriously, that number has been haunting me in so very many ways these last few years... I'm hanging on to the story that it's supposed to be God's perfect number ;-)

Keep well $

 

Submitted by rayjones on

A grim picture of emptiness, but it was also a picture of hopefull reaching out. People do need people and thats no game, great write Ray

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Ray, your thoughts - like gold-dust, and how very right you are.  Many thanks for your words.

Tina

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Shannan, that 77 business sure is freakysmiley

Pleased you enjoyed, and thanks for telling me in such a wonderful way.

Tina