featuring INDIAN FUTURES
I stand on the platform. A few early risers have already taken their places.
The same people every week. The blonde woman supporting herself on the raised stone wall. The smartly dressed man by the bench, phone light flickering on his face. Another woman greeting a neighbour.
I stand and listen. The noise is deafening – a symphony of birds. Trills; chirps. A whistle – sharp. Followed by another, then another. 3,4,6 chirps in rapid succession. Lots of sounds, musical notes going higher, and higher- very high.
The noise of chirping birds seems to take over anything else. Is anyone else listening with me? Are we all in communion at this brief moment in time, between arriving here in a rush and getting on our trains, towards our unknown destinations? A community of awe, a communion of wonder, briefly.
I only commute once a week. Maybe this is why I can still hear the birds.
Before I get on the train, I focus on the sounds, smells and images that can be so vibrant in the early morning. I’m lucky, I know- can you even call it a commute, if it happens once a week?
I commute to Brighton. That counts as fortunate, twice. I commute to a place that’s buzzing with goodness, where people are used to thinking of others and where, though some experiences can even be tougher than elsewhere, community comes together in moments of need. People help each other.
This is my last story for Christmas, and it features a Brighton born charity.
INDIAN FUTURES
Indian Futures is a new charity raising funds to make a difference in Vedanthangal and Vandavasi, Tamil Nadu, South India.
The charity works alongside the schooling system which is already in place there and offers more educational options for the children from the area.
Indian Futures have a Christmas fundraising campaign that you can catch up with here. They are selling some lovely handmade cards. Pop on their website for more details!
My other Christmas stories can be found here, here, here and here.
It’s time for me to wish you Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!