It appeared from around the top of the island. Very classical – face down, arms and legs stuck straight out. It’s hard to say who was the first to see it. It was just a quiet drink’s party on a balcony overlooking the Nile. I think it was already snared in an old tree beside the river when it became a common curiosity.
There wasn’t any doubt it was dead. Even from that distance – it was definitely dead. There was some discussion about whether somebody should do something. Consensus was reached that it wasn’t our body, our country. Somebody said they had heard that if you report a body you are immediately under suspicion as the Cairo police are simply after a quick arrest. Who knows if this is true.
It sort of hung around for a day or so – clearly visible from apartments overlooking the river. Then overnight it disappeared. Maybe it sunk or the river shook it free to take it somewhere where it may be noticed.
And the strange thing is that when I am driving now and see a dead cat on the road. I will stop and move it onto the roadside, gently. I will check to see if there is a collar and call the owners. I have known the distress of a cat just disappearing. The owners will want to know what happened and to have the body of the cat to bury. Some small comfort.
The Body
The strange morality of the expatriates. This happened in Cairo in 1985. I hope I would do it differently now.
butchart
amazing how our failure to act..can affect us so deeply… later on life’s path….... i think you probably would act know….........thank you for sharing this….......peace and light…..........b
Damian
That’s an interesting comparison, despite the circumstances. I can see what you mean, and it made me think.
Lumineux
Uncertainty is a great paralyzer, and hindsight a luxury. An interesting and thought provoking read.
sjem ©
I will remember this.
DBALehane
This could be turned into a fascinating fictional novel. There’s certainly potential there for how certain characters dealt with guilt, shame, etc after; how inaction over a random event could destroy friendships and relationships and could, possibly, result in another body in the water at the end, mirroring where the story began.
Pilgrim
in reply to DBALehane’s comment
DBA thanks for that comment on the body. I think you may be right. I have just taken the step to start recording some things I have seen and heard about in super short form but your right their is a longer story in this.
Sabbath
That was written lovely…10/10
deliriousgirl
What a great little abstract story, a dripping with poignancy and a brilliant insight into growth, the evolution of a life.
Silvia Manuela
Well written Martin. The last sentence in the 1st para had you hooked for more, and then proceeds with a clear and sombre narrative. Wrapped with extra dimensions in the last paragraph, The Body is a very clear and even short story, well done.
Pilgrim
in reply to Silvia Manuela’s comment
Silvia
Thank you for your feedback on The Body. I am finding that my hankering to write more is growing the more I write. And lots of little stories are creeping to the surface.
Eyal Nahmias
Very intricate, interesting and captivating story. The reader wonders all the time about the people reaction to the body.. (which is not normal if it was a human body) and the last paragraph connect it all together giving the final meaning to the beginning. Well written and thought of. A wonderful addition to the Art of the Middle East group.
Del Millar
Yes do keep writing! Great reading.
This story is interesting, in both the writing, and of your memory of the event niggling into other situations, connection throw backs to the event, and that with a different scenario you’d have had a different story to write.
Here you create an element of mystery.
The conscience plays an interesting part too, and I find this to be a very personal sharing.
Ultimately, it was as you say, in another country/culture, where action could be seen as unwarranted interference.
I don’t connect what you might call the lack of postive action, with racism.
More will be good Pilgrim, Del
cheetaah
Very interesting….. well written.
Natella2020
Beautifully gripping tale, wonderfully written. I admire this piece immensely.
jegustavsen
I read your profile. I appreciated and could relate to what you wrote: ”...we deepen our humanity when we express our creativity… at the heart of human condition…through it making sense of the world…”
IWhen I read “The Body” I could see you trying to make sense of what you witnessed, I felt myself trying to digest it. Sometimes I feel that way in other ways, like sitting with a group of people listening to them crucify someone (harsh criticism/judgements) as if they have no faults or are so high above being human or making a mistake. When I express my feeling it is shot down as though they are all holding guns, shooting anyone that disagrees with the mass opinion…as though a positive or a compassionate view does not count. It makes me very sad.
Thank you for sharing this.
Pilgrim
in reply to jegustavsen’s comment
Jegustavsen
Thank you for your comments on the Body. I agree with your perspective it sometimes takes a great deal of courage to go against the flow. And when you dont’t there can be a little hint of shame.