Today, I crashed my bike on the way in to work, flipping over the handlebars as I braked on a hill, to avoid getting squished into the tarmac by a speeding BMW. The car continued its frenzied path up the road into town, and I lay squealing in a crumpled heap.
Before I knew what was happening, a gorgeous blonde angel lady, who I will probably never see again, or have a chance to thank, had shepherded me to the curb, saved my bike and my glasses, called the police over and calmed me down. Then another complete stranger hefted my bike into his car and drove me home, regailing me with stories of his kettle import business, and telling me I looked like an accomplished vaudeville act as I launched myself over my handlebars.
All that time, all I could think about was how I’d started weeping midair, because the man in that car was willing to end a life through his own impatience. The road ahead looked so open and inviting that from a standstill he had launched out across my path, after staring me in the eyes. He must have known what had happened, but he didn’t stop. It’s OK though, I’ve learnt a lesson that he hasn’t- take pride in time, it’s a beautiful thing and we use it too lightly.
That’s why I wanted to share with you the work of Paul Alexander Thornton- this man is in love with biros, and his intricate drawings are testament to patience. Click on the photo to see what else he has drawn out from his brain onto paper.
