The reasons to avoid travelling on public transport if you can are many and varied. No doubt one of the most compelling is the desire to avoid contact with that elusive, anti-social individual known only as ‘The Phantom Farter’.
I had to go into town earlier today, and was obliged to return by bus. This led to an encounter with that sinister, will o’ the wisp figure, which proved to be only slightly less traumatic than a near-death experience.
As I was nearing the end of my journey, one of ten or so passengers on the lower deck let off one of those silent-but-deadly guffs which suggest that the culprit has stuffed an over-ripe piece of Stilton up their arse and left it to rot.
The effect on the social dynamic among the passengers was subtle yet immediate. Heads turned uneasily from side to side, as individuals visibly sort to direct attention away from themselves by implying that the source of the atrocity lay elsewhere.
The cheeky cunt in the seat behind me got up and opened a window, in what I took to be a blatant attempt to point the finger of blame at me. Then an elderly Asian woman pressed the bell and shuffled towards the door. The collective consciousness of the remaining passengers immediately formed the opinion ‘CURRY!’, and a silent verdict of ‘guilty’ was inferred.
Shortly it was my turn to get off, and as I walked away from the bus stop I was at pains to avoid glancing in the direction of any pavement-side passengers, lest this be seen as an admission of guilt on my part.
Take it from me ladies and gents (and others), this really was a rasper of the most eye- wateringly noxious kind. I mean, what kind of diet must some people be on to produce such an effect?
The worst of it is, you never know where this anonymous misanthrope may strike next; in the supermarket, the cinema queue, the post office,the coffee shop… before fading into the wild blue yonder once more.
‘They seek him here, they seek him there, they seek the bastard everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in hell, that elusive farting pimpernel’.
I think I need some air…
Nominated by – Ron Knee