Patience

* A piece of edited writing from 2006 based on George Michael's "Patience" *

An old man walks along a crowded street, exploring the local markets, with his two grandchildren on either side of him. They had originally intended on spending the day at the local carnival, but unfortunately it was closed down due to maintenence. Music can be heard not that far in the distance and the children tug at their grandfather's arms, eager to find out exactly where it is coming from. It is not long until the three reach a store with a young salesman standing out the front. The man looks shrap in his freshly pressed, pinstripe suit and he reeks of aftershave. Next to him lays a cd player.

"Come on in ladies and gentleman! Bargain prices on everything thanks to our grand opening! Take a look at all we have!" the man calls enticing people as they walk past. The children hurry up to the man.
"Do you have toys?" they ask, their little eyes lighting up with excitement.
"We even have toys" the man smiles slyly, showing his pearly white teeth, "SPECIAL toys with lots of buttons". He turns to the old man, "What do you say Grandpa? Will you let these wonderful children enjoy the latest and greatest inventions?"

The old man stares through the freshly cleaned glass of the shop window and sighs. Inside the store consists mainly of the latest gadgets and technology - half of which the old man cannot seem to grasp. The old man shakes his head, bewildered by the man's enticement. Who on earth would want to lead children away from their innocence and introduce them into a technological world where people depend on devices for everyday living?

The old man turns to the salesman and in a loud and clear voice booms: "You want my family for your liberty!". The crowd around the stall hushes to a whisper while the children look up at their grandfather with confusion. The old man looks sadly at the salesman, and shifting down a gear he adds:
"I can't do that. . ."

From such influence, the crowd slowly begins to disappear. An interest is lost in the store and people start to realise the long term effects of technology on the younger generation. Shoppers put down the goods in their hands and turn to the salesman in disgust. The youth, being unable to to lose customers on an opening day, attempts a desperate scheme to maintain interest:
"Won't you people look at all we have? Don't you want it? Can't you see the things that you lack?"

Children in his arms, the old man turns his back.

* Original Image is not mine *
* Image Source: http://evilxelf.deviantart.com/art/A-Man-of-Reflection-48314233?q=boost%3Apopular+Old+man&qo=9 *