The Garbage Can (standard:drama, 364 words)
Author: Ted Potter	Added: Oct 01 2003	Views/Reads: 3796/1	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
a moment in life

The Garbage Can 

You see the problem is there is no one to help take the garbage out. It
used to an annoyance, a chided task forgot.  His wife scolding voice to 
please please don't forget to take the garbage out. 

He of course would pretend that this task was in fact the cruelest
hardship, can't a man has some small peace, his mocking response. So 
then with sighs loud enough for her to hear, start the trek outside. 

Walking down the steps, task in hand he wondered how his very footprints
were not engraved after so many journeys down this same path. The 
garbage cans scarred with dents waiting patiently to be fed. The 
occasional spill from a wayward wind oh what a mess that always made. 

Pausing as always, one hand the lid and the other trash he would turn
back to look at his home. Warm lights inside, hoping to see her pass by 
a window and like a prize fighter with both arms raised, lid in one 
hand and sack in other he would complete the task. 

Today is garbage day, he recalls suddenly. Lifting himself up, cane in
hand he trod's on to the kitchen. Stoic face he shuffles along, a bit 
trouble by the pain of walking. He must start early, give himself a 
little more time. No sense in getting in a rush. 

It seems to take a bit more these days, or perhaps the stone path he
travels has somehow become a bit longer, but no everything is the same, 
just getting old he tells himself. 

Struggling down the steps while trying to manage the cane and sack he
sighs with a weary breath. Onward he continues the stone path 
disregarding his efforts. Finally reaching the cans, places the sack 
and cane down he lifts the lid and sack and turns again to face the 
house. 

With an unnoticed flourish he completes the task. Then suddenly stricken
from his heart the tears come again. His memory unbidden comes, she had 
passed many years ago, and you see it is just so hard now, with no one 
to help take the garbage out. 

Friday, September 19, 2003 


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