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.

     

    ,

5 responses to “Crossing the River”

  1. Layclerk Avatar
    Layclerk

    Is Joshua Chapter 3 the one that mentions the Glasgow Underground, or the one relating to Pollokshaws West station?

    Reply
  2. kelvin Avatar
    kelvin

    http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=92408481

    Reply
  3. DampDoris Avatar
    DampDoris

    ……so are these priests, bearing the Ark of the Covenant, still tramping around Glasgow, or did they, too, have a destination in mind ? Most fortuitous they met you in your moment of need (Presumably they will not be lodging on the banks of the Clyde on a dull and dismal dricht day like today……….and if they are, hope you’ll take them some warm blankets and fortifying broth on your next trip to cross the water…….)
    PS. And are these still the same guys that knew Joshua ?
    PPS. Or did I miss a deeper link, bridging the diolemma ?

    Reply
  4. Kelvin Avatar
    Kelvin

    Actually, although I had made plans for a procession of priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to get me over the river, when I got to the riverbank, I was amazed to find that someone had built a bridge.

    Reply
  5. Stewart Avatar
    Stewart

    Had not realised this was your reason for crossing the river. I well remember the 75th anniversary of the dedication festival.

    It had not occured to me that the centenary had come round so quickly. Happy memories of growing up.

    Reply

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