Pen and promise, the drawing game
Harrison is an artist. Not an oil painting master, with a breathtaking masterpiece in a gallery. Nor is he a new age genius with profound works of art. In fact, he is a street artist. Harrison works on his paintings, while on the street. The street is his studio. The hustle and bustle of everyday life, is his subject of interest.
With this in mind, it is a slightly overcast afternoon, when the older gentleman appears in front of Harrison. The older gent is overdressed for the warmth of the day. However, it isn’t this that gets Harrison’s attention. It’s the gaunt, hollow look, in the old gentleman’s eyes. It is obvious the man has seen better days. With a defiant air, the older gentleman looks over all of Harrison’s displayed art.
Then after a few minutes he addresses Harrison. “Do you take special requests young man?”
Pen and promise, the drawing game
Harrison glances at the older guy, and begins sketching. It is obvious the man has seen better days. Therefore, Harrison replies calmly as he quickly sketches.
“I do take requests. Sometimes. Mostly I work, in the moment.” Harrison eyes the older man casually, then returns to his sketch. It would only take another few minutes to finish.
The man studies Harrison closely. Likewise, he appears to be on the verge of an in-depth request. Then appears to have a change of mind, after a silent, internal debate. He is about to turn away when Harrison finishes the sketch and frees it from the easel. Then he holds it out to the retreating old guy.
“Here, take this.”
The old guy looks at the drawing then back at Harrison and shakes his head.
“I ain’t got no money mister. I can’t afford a stick of butter, much less a fancy drawing. Thought maybe I could get something for my nephew, but I was wrong.” The old man turns, to leave, but not before Harrison shows him the drawing, and quickly explains.
“It’s not for sale. It’s free. As you can see, it’s somewhat personalized.”
The old man takes the drawing from Harrison and gazes at it intently. Then he looks at Harrison.
Drawing game
“Is this supposed to be a joke?” He looks at the drawing intently. “What’s with all the money bags and the gold stacks? How did you draw this so fast? It looks just like me.” The older guy continues gazing into the drawing. Harrison answers him honestly.
“It’s what could happen. The drawings reveal a possible future.” Harrison watches the man absorb his words. And likewise the tiny nuances of the sketch. Then he looks at Harrison once more, and mumbles a thanks before turning, and walking away.
The following week, Harrison is finishing a sketch of a young woman who arrived only minutes before. She is shopping for a gift. Something unique for her dad. As always Harrison is surprised by what the drawing reveals, as he hands her the sketch. This afternoon he is surprised by more than that, as a sleek limousine pulls up to the curb just behind his art stand.
A possible future
Harrison recognizes the older gentleman from the previous week, almost immediately. Furthermore, he is not surprised to see an obvious increase in abundance. From the finely crafted three piece business suit, to the extravagantly equipped limousine, the older gentleman’s entire demeanor suggests extreme wealth.
The finely dressed older man looks at Harrison, and then at the young woman. A young woman who appears to be completely stunned, as she gazes into her drawing. Then he looks back at Harrison and says, with some exuberance.
“Hi, again. You’re never gonna guess what happened!”
Pen and promise
Thank you for reading! Like, follow and share The Frog Journal on X @1finja1 – and on The Frog Journal Facebook page click here. Subscribe to the free newsletter to stay up to date on new content and updates.
All original stories. Download in seconds, new titles weekly. The Frog Journal e-book shorts.
Pen and promise