The Body
It appeared from around the top of the island. Very classical – face down, arms and legs stuck straight out. It’s hard to say who was the first to see it. It was just a quiet drink’s party on a balcony overlooking the Nile. I think it was already snared in an old tree beside the river when it became a common curiosity.
There wasn’t any doubt it was dead. Even from that distance – it was definitely dead. There was some discussion about whether somebody should do something. Consensus was reached that it wasn’t our body, our country. Somebody said they had heard that if you report a body you are immediately under suspicion as the Cairo police are simply after a quick arrest. Who knows if this is true.
It sort of hung around for a day or so – clearly visible from apartments overlooking the river. Then overnight it disappeared. Maybe it sunk or the river shook it free to take it somewhere where it may be noticed.
And the strange thing is that when I am driving now and see a dead cat on the road. I will stop and move it onto the roadside, gently. I will check to see if there is a collar and call the owners. I have known the distress of a cat just disappearing. The owners will want to know what happened and to have the body of the cat to bury. Some small comfort.
Comments
amazing how our failure to act..can affect us so deeply… later on life’s path……. i think you probably would act know…………thank you for sharing this……….peace and light………….b
That’s an interesting comparison, despite the circumstances. I can see what you mean, and it made me think.
Uncertainty is a great paralyzer, and hindsight a luxury. An interesting and thought provoking read.
I will remember this.
This could be turned into a fascinating fictional novel. There’s certainly potential there for how certain characters dealt with guilt, shame, etc after; how inaction over a random event could destroy friendships and relationships and could, possibly, result in another body in the water at the end, mirroring where the story began.
DBA thanks for that comment on the body. I think you may be right. I have just taken the step to start recording some things I have seen and heard about in super short form but your right their is a longer story in this.
– Pilgrim
That was written lovely…10/10
What a great little abstract story, a dripping with poignancy and a brilliant insight into growth, the evolution of a life.
Well written Martin. The last sentence in the 1st para had you hooked for more, and then proceeds with a clear and sombre narrative. Wrapped with extra dimensions in the last paragraph, The Body is a very clear and even short story, well done.
Silvia
Thank you for your feedback on The Body. I am finding that my hankering to write more is growing the more I write. And lots of little stories are creeping to the surface.
– Pilgrim
Very intricate, interesting and captivating story. The reader wonders all the time about the people reaction to the body.. (which is not normal if it was a human body) and the last paragraph connect it all together giving the final meaning to the beginning. Well written and thought of. A wonderful addition to the Art of the Middle East group.
Yes do keep writing! Great reading.
This story is interesting, in both the writing, and of your memory of the event niggling into other situations, connection throw backs to the event, and that with a different scenario you’d have had a different story to write.
Here you create an element of mystery.
The conscience plays an interesting part too, and I find this to be a very personal sharing.
Ultimately, it was as you say, in another country/culture, where action could be seen as unwarranted interference.
I don’t connect what you might call the lack of postive action, with racism.
More will be good Pilgrim, Del