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Religious Zeal
I have for some time been a little concerned with the number of ladies (and strangely enough it is always ladies) on the 133 who, immediately upon sitting down, open up their capacious handbags - we’re talking Mary Poppins’ carpet bag here - and pull out a beautifully bound, but clearly well thumbed bible and begin to read it avidly on the daily commute.
I mean… admittedly it’s beautifully written (well, the King James Version is a perfect example of measured and carefully crafted English) but beyond Revelations, which is great blood-and-thunder type stuff, it’s not exactly a riveting read. So, instantly - and possibly a little unfairly - I assume they are religious nutjobs and begin wondering if I start thinking enough dirty thoughts about… oh, I dunno… Chace Crawford, then they might pick up on it and move quickly away.
But today I think my concern may be developing into an actual deep-rooted dislike of such ladies. Today, whilst I was idly enjoying the BWO singles collection “Pandemonium” - and very good it is too - some lady sat on the seat to my left and promptly pulled out what was undoubtedly a bible-shaped book. So I did my usual thing: I internally rolled my eyes (it’s a good trick) and ignored her.
It was only when I realised she was getting the occasional funny look from those around me that I noticed her arms flailing, book in hand and, as one track finished, became awfully aware that she was actually preaching - haltingly and repetitively - at us all.
Thankfully she was blotted out by a burst of “Give Me the Night” at this point but shortly afterwards she got up and started handing round leaflets - one of which I graciously declined - before going upstairs to do, presumably, exactly the same thing there.
I felt a little irked I must say. I don’t mind what religious people do - as long as it’s behind closed doors and they don’t hurt anyone - but she was breaking the first commandment of commuting: namely that you do not attempt to make even eye-contact let alone verbal or physical with any other passenger unless there happens to have been a major accident or a delay of longer than five minutes.
Someone should have words with her, I tell you. (But not me, obviously, I’m far too repressed and English.)
Posted on April 15, 2008 | Filed Under The World we Live In
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