Reflecting James Joyce’s Ulysses, and among others
Asked P for cash, all in pocket, full. This road to DC, dusty, steep in parts, enjoying myself. Potato I have [1]. Attractive girl, girl, jolly fellows, girls, see show, laugh, drink, eat, gamble, experience, girls, another show, new clothes – transfer wad to new pockets; also potato. Restaurant, drinking, tip, kiss, laughter, new friends, I love freedom to be generous. Food, show, kissing, gamble, drink. Wad reduced, it’s the same for all of us. All gone, friends also, no girls, no food, but spud is present. Generally, also without. Pigs stink, unclean, sick-looking; pods shockingly blemished, strangely appealing… Doesn’t have to be like this. Father’s men (Silas, Jud, Lemuel, big Jake – hands, grey tunic, tear in the sleeve, scar – sweating effort, weekly wages-day, queueing ‘Thank you, sir, thank you sir’, father…) meals, I could go back, ask, he’ll be okay, probably, ask to work for him, not a son, dinner, much better than pods, feeling inspired, sensible? best option not worthy son they’ll call me waster but survival not sure will try go walk tired hot sandal flapping hungry coat torn hill walk someone running chase me away? shouts angry or… why would Pa run? pleased to see him tell ‘unworthy’ not listening! servants shoes welcome ring hug coat kiss greeting happy hungry well-fed calf roast spit flames cooked plate of carved beef grease chin smile villagers party celebrate dancing dad (great mood brother not so much) lost dead found alive potato
[1] Stephen Dedalus' talisman, representing Odysseus' Moly, a medicinal herb
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