In

I was once described as ‘cultured’. It was disguised of course in a flurry of other compliments thrusted upon me by an anonymous peasant. It perplexed me a little. I had heard the other peasants converse about the ‘cultured’ - their alternative inclinations, their poor physique and homosexual complicity. They spoke of ‘gatherings’, music, cigarettes, wine.

Later I wondered how I had gotten into all of this. I receive an esoteric handshake from another cultured person in public and curse my uncouthness. I reflect on the Latin Colere, (meaning to cultivate) but it sounds like ‘cholera’ so just I wipe my hands on my jacket and smile. Some-one’s talking about the cricket again.