Note: “Waiting for Godot” is a play by poet Samuel Beckett in which two characters engage in a variety of discussions while awaiting Godot, someone they never met nor who never arrives. This is a modern interpretation with two present-day characters.
Bob was the first to arrive instantly noticing the new park bench next to Kenny’s Store. He slumped down onto the bench and unlaced his shoes. It was so comfortable and appeared to shroud him with a scent of newness. That invitation would make made his waiting for Godot’s arrival not as prolonged as most evenings he had waited.
He noticed others in passing and they noticed him, probably wondering why he was sitting for so long without a newspaper or a book to pass the time.
Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Alex standing hesitantly to the side of the bench adjusting his surf-worn hat, unsure of the new bench.
Bob: “Are you waiting for Godot tonight?
Alex: “Yes, I’m waiting for Godot. Have you seen him?”
Bob: He hasn’t showed up yet. Why don’t you sit on this lovely bench the township donated to our village?
Alex: It is a nice bench. I must mention though that I was threatened as a vagrant when passing by the Perrettin church.
Bob: No bullies here. I remember when this town was full of hustle and bustle; 5 gas outlets, 4 convenience stores, blacksmith and millinery shops and a couple of doctors to extract buckshot from trespassers.
Alex: How do you remember all that?
Bob: I read about it today in a local history book while consuming my favourite vodka cooler. Otherwise I wouldn’t have remembered at all. If alcohol can damage my short-term memory, imagine the damage
alcohol can do.
Alex: I remember you mentioning that, and all those closed businesses being converted to houses and selling for prices out of this world. But Beachburg missed out?
Bob: It’s because of those qualifications the “Lions Club” have set. To be allowed to live there – you must pass the test, but nobody can. The questions are outdated and so are the Lions
Alex: I’m beginning to come round to that opinion myself.
Alex: Does Westmeath mind who moves here?
Bob: No. In fact it will wheel and deal to attract new families from big cities so that the local folks can outfox them for home improvements. Also, they want to populate the Rec Centre to increase revenues so the committee members can buy cool matching t-shirts and sweaters. One subliminal goal is to somehow steal back our Public-School kids that Beachburg enticed to leave for their school where a gymnasium is the bribe to lord over them.
Alex: Speaking of Godot; I heard he lives in Paradise, but I don’t know where it is.
Bob: I heard its way up in the sky, but it can’t be seen from here.
Alex: I want to ask Godot if he can provide me with a better life. I deserve it.
Bob: I do too. I’m tired of disappointments and setbacks, as well doing volunteer work for no wages.
Alex: I had a paying job once. The road to success was always under construction. So I quit.
Bob: Better too not overwork yourself. I don ‘t either. I’m fortunate to live in this part of the township. People here are forgiving, not like in Lapasse. Lacroix Bay residents can’t or won’t adapt to our culture, a rudimentary one handed down by our forefathers.
Alex: I only had the one father .…… and one mother.
Bob: Heritage means a lot around here. Lorne Spotswood is 5th generation on the same property. I swear I was born in the wrong generation. Nowadays everyone is addicted to their cellphones and I don’t have one.
Alex: Then there is Cobden. People there are up in arms with water taxes skyrocketing and dump usage fees increasing. The worried councilors stay at home and only meet on Zoom for their meetings. The office building is locked up tighter a drum – only appointments if there is anyone to make one with.
Bob: I heard a rumour that the head cheese of Whitewater Region administration lives nowhere near Cobden and has both an unlisted address and phone number. They say he is planning to move the cenotaph to a livelier location.
Alex: We just have to meet with Godot. He would know if this Pandemic has been beaten to its knees or will return in a year or so with vengeance armed with more deadly variants to devastate our way of life.
Bob: Good point. Just in case, I’ll spend every penny of my pension cheques to not leave any money wasted at the end of the world
Boy: Walking over to that new bench, he stopped in front of them with a message from Godot. “He won’t be coming tonight.”
Alex: Please tell Godot, we’ll wait for him on this terrific bench tomorrow night.
The two guys stretched, walked around that modern bench as if in homage and sat down again, neither wanting to forfeit the comfort of such a seating arrangement.
Bob: I know someone who died of Covid.
Alex: Did he go to Paradise?
Bob: No. Right into the ground and covered over with the earth.
Alex: I want to go straight up.
Bob: By spacecraft?
Alex: No, by ascension.
Bob: I guess that means good night. Let’s hope Godot will meet us tomorrow evening.
Alex: I must say that this bench makes a terrific place to meet and wait for him.
