IN & OUT OF LIFE - Chapter 123 - Metal polish (Eilie)

METAL POLISH (Eilie) ~ 1712-1764

I see the decorated gray walls of buildings on both sides of a narrow street of alley. The road is paved. The soles of my shoes are flat and sturdy. I'm walking wide legged. My dress or skirt comes just a little above the ankles. I have something with me in a cloth bag. I'm bringing it somewhere on behalf of someone else, i.e. I'm running an errand. Inside the bag are two long keyhole plates, decorated but not glossy. The long key which matches the lock is included. The keyhole plates themselves must be re-polished at the shop. I like this little shop, the smell, and just waiting here with nothing to do but think. As I stand here waiting, I decide to fantasize about a guy by the water, the imaginary water being clear and turquoise, the sounds equally clear. I try to imagine him more handsome than he really is, with light blue eyes, the same color as the water… The shopkeeper comes back and says the item will have to stay here overnight to be soaked in a "metal bath". I guess I'll go back and tell the mistress. Oh, she'll not be pleased! Even if she expected it to be this way, she'll scold me and tell me I'll lose a third of my wages for the wasted time.