U3A Writing: Brief Conversation
I you live in a certain part of the city it’s good to have a friend called Sheba, as Zelda Margo’s story reveals.
Katie, an affable small person, sparse grey hair pulled back from a weathered wrinkled face, watchful amber eyes buttonholed an acquaintance, got her seated on a bench in the Killarney Mall.
“Remember Yeoville?” she wanted to know.
“Yes, Katie, once a very desirable suburb.’’
“I’ve lived in Becker Street for over thirty years. It’s greatly changed.”
“Are you not afraid to live there now?”
“I would be if I didn’t have Sheba living with me.”
“How long have you known her?”
“It might sound strange to you, but I’d known Sheba in a previous life.”
“So, you believe in reincarnation?”
“Me, and millions of others. I’d known Sheba in ancient Egypt in one of my previous lives. We’re writing a book about the understanding that exists between us.”
“Do you hope to get it published?”
“We have a publisher. It was he who suggested that we write a chapter each from our own perspective.”
“Where in your present life did you meet Sheba?”
“I got her at the SPCA.”
“Sheba’s a dog?”
“Yes, a beautiful Alsatian. We live a very healthy life. Long daily walks, lots of fresh air and keeping focussed on the writing. Don’t look so startled!”
“Sheba writes?”
“Don’t be an idiot. I write from Sheba’s point of view. Just immersed in what I experienced in one of my previous lives.”
“Katie, I’m finding it difficult to get to grips with this.”
“Buy my book when it comes out; you may have a spiritual awakening.”
Having said that, Katie jumped up with almost youthful vigour and strutted off to the car park, leaving her seated acquaintance wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
