What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Tales of the City #8

    The scene is Glasgow Pride. The protagonists are making their way down Argyll Street in Finnieston. I am dressed in a black suit, clerical collar and small lapel ribbon in all the colours of the rainbow. The group I am with all carry colourful posters proclaiming “The Scottish Episcopal Church Welcomes You”. Mine is mauve. 

    A young man sidles up to walk beside me.

    Young Man: Hi!

    Self: Hello! Where are you from?

    Young Man: Well, Australia, actually. 

    The Young Man pauses.

    Young Man: I just, er, I just wanted to ask you something.

    Self: Oh, OK, ask away.

    Young Man: Well, are you real?

    Self: Oh yes, I’m very real.

    The Young Man gestures with his head towards the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence who, beautifully bedecked in Catherine Laboré style wimples and rainbow habits of various styles are waving a large rainbow flag in front of us.

    Young Man: Yes, but the nuns?

    The Young Man pauses.

    Young Man: They are not real. Right?

    Self: Right.

     

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12 responses to “How to be single at Christmas”

  1. Scottish Roundup

    […] single or otherwise alone at this time of year can present its challenges. Kelvin has some very wise words to say on the […]

    Reply
  2. sue Avatar
    sue

    It is not the prospect of spending Christmas alone that I find difficult or scary. It’s managing the family expectations that we have to be together at Christmas, because that’s what we do (as it was in the beginning and shall be for ever, Amen). The bad weather this year meant that there was a good reason for not travelling, so I was able to spend Christmas where I wanted to be. And lovely it was too.

    Reply

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