Prompt and Circumstance

Omni-Busker

'bus' April 8, 2016

"OYEZ! OYEZ!" Sean projected the words in his most powerful voice.

Few within hearing could understand these archaic words, but heads turned as one, with an almost audible gasp. A reluctant hush fell over conversations grown louder as voices tried to be heard.

Before they could take a breath, he took his – a deep one - and followed his first words with his loudest "HEAR YE... HEAR YE!"

Now he had the full attention of all present. Some glanced at each other, a small show of bravado on their lips and raised eyebrows. Others were in total awe, waiting to see what came next.

Somehow, Sean swallowed down the smile threatening to give lie to his stern face, grim lips and furrowed brow. He wouldn't use this approach too often, but on its 'maiden voyage', so to speak, it was working a treat.

Although he didn't have his bell with him this day, he decided it would be a handy addition and deterrent to this motley crew when this harsh demand for silence had worn thin.

Again, the smile threatened to break through his stern demeanour. Few recognised him as the Town Crier without his fancy red top and jacket with all its black and gold trims and brass buttons. With the great white lace ruffle flowing on down under his long white beard and the traditional black tri-corn hat with its mass of feathers, he towered quite grandly over all around him.

Those squeaking, squawking small-fry, he thought and ducked his head to hide his mouth. Now the mirror only reflected the top of his great bushy white eyebrows. He knew he couldn't let it slip away... this perfect moment of control over the grubby, smelly occupants of the school bus.

Hastily he continued, in his great boomer of a voice, "OK my hearties! Lissen up, 'cos I'm only saying this once." He raised his chin to glower threateningly at his passengers through the mirror. Impossibly, his voice raised a couple of decibels as he thundered, "Hey... you! Yes, you... in the blue shirt, right down the back! What's going on behind that hand over your mouth?" The smarty-pants' smile and furtive whispering dropped like a lead weight, as head and body craned sideways, attempting to get lost behind the large girl sitting in the next seat.

Abruptly, the school bus swung over to the side of the road in a halt that had the kids grabbing furiously at their seats and each other, whatever was closest to hand and most able to stop them sliding onto the floor. Almost before it came to a stop, Sean was out of his driver's seat and stomping up the aisle – all 6'4" of him. Blue shirt cowered, but resistance was useless. Sean picked him up by the scruff of his neck and shirt, gave him a bit of a shake, and in a strident voice, said, "What was that? You wanted to say something right to my face?" Strangely enough, only a series of gurgles and snuffles were forthcoming, and tears filled the eyes that had been so mocking and challenging only moments before.

Somewhere deep inside, Sean relaxed, remembering the advice old Barnesy had given him. 'Start out tough as... You can always slacken off. But start off soft and it's damned hard to show 'em you mean business.'