Bubbles: The Beggar's Lifeline

By Tiger Man

Thomas-O, known to all as the beggar of Blackthorn Hill, lives his life in a world that offers him everything that his heart desires. He has no worldly possessions but a wealth of freedom to his name. His motto is quite simple: before doing anything for anyone, he would ask himself, "What's in it for me?"

But one night, he was asked for one act of kindness: to care for a newborn child he called Bubbles. Little did he know that such a child was gifted to him from destiny, carrying an inner strength, as if a lifeline. So strong that not even the wealthiest could satisfy, not even for a single day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiger Man
• Release date: Feb 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224324224

Tiger Man

Hello, they all call me Tiger Man. I'm married with three children and a very patient wife. I started writing this book during lockdown in 2020, which was a great help and kept me away from the paint brush! Being left-handed, you know how it is, as sometimes I feel I live in a world that was only made for the right-handed. I hope you like the book, and may it remind us all of the beggar's great tree of knowledge, as our silence can sometimes be our strength, no matter what.  Taidhg McCarthy. 

Book preview

Chapter One

A Listening Watch

Well, here we are at last. Living in a world that we call home. Some would say we never have enough for our needs, except for Thomas-O, known to all in these parts as the Beggar of Blackthorn Hill. Such a life was seen as nothing more than shameful, disgusting, isolated. And so be it. As a perfect stranger once said, 'Are you not better off born lucky than rich?'

‘Well,’ I often say to myself when I think of those words of wisdom, 'It's easy for someone to say such a thing!' Meanwhile, I am here sitting on the side of the road with nothing but holes in my pocket! Yes, I am the lucky one with nothing to lose, as I never had anything in the first place. But looking back, maybe there was some truth in those words of wisdom.

Even if those words fall on deaf ears, there is nothing wrong with that. I guess it is a sign of the times we all live in. Unfortunately, there is no escape from the long arm of destiny, not even from your world. Yes, I am the Beggar of Blackthorn Hill. The last of my kind, living in my world that provides everything my heart desires. A single act of kindness made these two disparate worlds collide, and in the aftermath, an everlasting gift of hope and peace of mind was delivered to all. Striking even the hearts of burdened with suspicion.

When you meet me, you too will wonder, 'How could this be? He must have been chosen by the Gods for such an act. What other reason could it be?' Looking back now, I never had a choice. You would be reading a different story if it was left up to me. But, as I said, all it took was one act of kindness on a night I'll never forget to change everything for all mankind, giving us a new hunger for life so strong not even the wealthy among us could satisfy. Not even for one single day. What was asked of me will deliver a happy ending for all, eternally. But can I be trusted with such a gift? Only you can decide and, maybe in the end, you might even agree that everybody got what they deserved. So, let’s begin.

I was very happy in my own little world and never had to share it with anyone. Why should I? I have spent most of my life on the receiving end of everything, which meant one thing to me – getting everything for nothing. I certainly never had anything of value in this world, nor anything that anyone would ever want. It's as simple as that. And do you know why? I'll tell you. Like I said, I'm a beggar, just a simple beggar. What you see is what you get, and I certainly have no frills. I could stick my finger up my nose after a long day and find a sweetener landing in my mouth! And why would I do such a thing? For one simple reason – it's my life, and it's all about me and what I can get for nothing. I have a personality that I can only describe to you as bittersweet, never taking anything for granted. Yes, I am very proud to be a beggar but never confuse me with a tramp. Anyone can fill such shoes.

Truth be told, I am the last of my kind, carrying a lot of mileage on the odometer of my life. I'm an Old Sweat About Town, you might say in a beggar's slang. Not an easy life I've chosen, as it has always been my way or the highway. A beggar only ever has two choices – take it or leave it. And honestly, that's all I ever wanted. I like to think that this life has rewarded me with a sense of freedom that only I can enjoy. There is certainly no point in me trying to explain it to you while I'm in your world. Only my fellow beggars know exactly what I'm talking about. It's a beggar's life. Somebody must do it, and I love it.

Spending most of my time on your worldly streets, begging with no sense of direction, means you could find me anywhere. Well, I like to think I'm gifted with having a great sense of presence; not to worry, I always bow my head to you, so you feel like a king or a queen or whatever your heart desires. But I never bow my head in a sense of shame. Why should I? Often, I only allow the heavenly clouds to take pity upon me and quench my thirst. It's a beggar's life. A great life. And if you are lucky or unlucky enough to cross my palm with silver, you might think that the only simple pleasure you could probably get from me is that I might make you feel a little bit better about yourself – since you have someone to look down on. But that is grand. Like I said, there's no shame in that. After all, is that not the bedrock upon which we all dream?

But I used to wonder if life is that simple for those judging souls who stood over me. Well, it's not. I have learned that there's nothing for nothing in this world, and there is a price for everything, even for a beggar such as me. And you know why? I'll tell you. Most of the time, I get a sense of sadness for those lost souls searching for their peace of mind. The listening watch that I carry within me tells me everything. Who am I going to share their darkest secrets with? Or even what they have for breakfast?

I admit that it's not easy to fall from such grace in this world of yours, but there's no point in me telling such souls there's no shame in that. As I say, ‘Was that not when we were at our happiest? When we took our first breath, having nothing, only pride watching over us.’ Oh, such pride. This alone has kept me going. But I'd like to stay with you for a while in this world of yours if you'll have me, and I'll explain to you where I'm coming from. My point of view. And trust me when I tell you it's very low as most of the time, I'm sitting in the gutter looking up. This might offer you a better understanding of what it's like to live in my world that gives me everything my heart desires. But for now, all I can do is look at this world of yours with an open mouth. Yes, I must admit this expression always gave me an interesting look on my face. I was never easy on the eye.

It's a hard, old life on the streets. It can be very difficult when you're left-handed in a world that only recognises the right hand of the law. But don’t worry, I am a beggar, and I always deliver a false sense of hope like clockwork to the 'do-gooders' as they shower me with gifts while hoping to change my life for the better. Yes, I deliver hope unto them. It’s my little gift to this world – a simple pleasure. As I said, I stick my finger up my nose after a long day, a little 'pick me up', in beggar's slang. Yes, such a sweetener, but it’s the treasures that I'm craving. I’m hoping for good fortune.

To cross my palm, after all, is that not what makes this world of yours go around? Oh yes, such a prize would be greeted with the utmost gratitude from me. I would rest my hand upon my heart, and it would be just right, perfect, an irresistible spark perching on the high ground and sending them into a trance with a new and fierce fighting spirit. Even I would feel that sticky blessing of wisdom landing upon my shoulders.

Oh, please. Release me from such a society. Only then, when I feel the creaking pain in my jaw, would I take control of the situation by closing my mouth nice and easy. I'd drop a hint and let them know their moment of glory has come and gone, saying, 'Be off with you!'

Yes, it is a hard life on the streets, and the only true value I have is my time. There's a price to be paid for everything. Yes, I would like to think there is some reward for my kind listening ear, you might say, or even for my misery. Trust me when I tell you that often the reality of the situation would arrive, and for a moment of no return, I’d think the penny had dropped – finally, the happy ending I’d been craving. But unfortunately, reality would strike me down with its hidden wall of silence and protect this world of theirs. No place for a beggar such as I. Like I said, there's a price to be paid for everything. I get nothing, not even a taser, and my only reward is a squinting stare delivered to me as if to say, 'What do you expect?' Oh, those unspoken words. There would be no mistaking it. That crushing blow: how dare I close my mouth? A disgraceful act seen by all, as if to say, 'Let there be no confusion in what status I hold in this world.'

I should be very happy to bask in the company of such wisdom and greatness. ‘Never mind,’ I'd say to myself. I always make a point of gently stroking my jaw. Wasn't it something to reach for, as if to say there's no such thing as a wasted journey? A simple gesture of hope, I like to think, even for someone like me. After all, I am a shameless beggar blessed with a great presence. Indeed, I am a true master of this world with my silent facial expressions. They alone can speak many languages, understood by whoever stands before me. Such is my power; it can fill the streets with joyful happiness or release such sadness and shame. It can dampen even the brightest of days. Oh, what a gift I carry within! So strong; it brings a tear to my eye. Believe me when I say I am a great beggar for one simple reason – it's all about me. That simple gesture of closing my mouth and breaking the bond to this world. Yes. Give me the power, that fighting edge, that sense of pride in who I am. Yes, and so be it – a disgraceful act seen by all as if I alone, a simple beggar, had released a virus.

I would frequently say to myself, 'I've had enough of this world.' But deep down, a heavy heart of pity would win me over and say, 'Give it another go, beggar. Don't worry about it. It's grand; never mind.' And there's plenty of room in my ear for those unwanted whispers. It's only a matter of time before they look upon me, the beggar of Blackthorn Hill. That's who I am, and many times, I show them the sense of freedom I enjoy with my sharp tongue. Yes, I shout for all to hear. Why not? One disgraceful act as they leave my presence with an unwanted gift of a new spring in their step. You know the type I'm talking about. They have that kind of long-stretching shadow trailing behind them that everyone wants to avoid. It even sends a shiver down my spine. Or maybe they never had love in their lives. Not sure. Whatever it is, they wouldn't be able to hide it from me, no matter how bright the sun shined or how hard the rain pelted down on them. I know them as heavy hearts. You know, I had names for them all. Why not? I had plenty of time on my hands.

Yes, I have to admit, even I got the sneers from them, especially when they stood over me. I don't know why, but they did. They'd be the ones who always overstayed their welcome, even with me. To be honest, I