Across the wild frontier that separates these civilised lands from the wild countries out to the west, there is fear and tension. Over the border, the savages run wild, sometimes staying up beyond the late night weather forecast. Eating chips as they roam the streets looking for trouble, or failing that an interesting lamppost to fight.
Once, before the arrival of the lawmen, these lands too were wild and savage. They knew nothing of early closing days or days off in lieu. Sometimes, even the women would put down their knitting during an unusually tense episode of Call the Midwife. While the men would know little of anything beyond the final score and the imminent prospect of the transfer window closing.
Yes, back in those days the men were men and the women were women. On occasion, some of the men were women too which made for a sometimes interesting evening under the broken and beaten-up lampposts.
However, eventually civilisation arrived in these lands. Although, some mourn the loss of the freedom to live wild and free and to watch adult cable channels late into the night, the majority feel it is far better now. Even if it is just to step out knowing the lampposts will be in full working order. Also, that – consequently – any lady met under such a lamppost late into the night will have had the foresight to at least shave off his beard beforehand.
[Books by David Hadley are available here (UK) or here (US).]
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