1. The circle line
INT. TUBE. DAY TIME.
Teddy (3rd person) voice over
Every day is different and yet they all start the same. Today is
bitterly cold, so cold that my bones are stiff with the chill and I
truly wonder if they will ever be warm again. I walk down the old
worn steps, closer to the rumbling groan of my steed for the day.
I have always needed the underground, years before when I had
everything. A wife, a family, a home and an important job. I was
respected, confident and competent before the addiction risk
swallowed me. The strangling hold of gambling wiping all that was
good in my life clear away.
(sound of tube doors opening and train arriving)
The whoosh of the groaning doors sliding open and welcome me with a
warm embrace, encompassing me for my day ahead. I choose the seat
which I shall stay static all day and let the circle line take me
off. There are very few of us on this train with an endless
destination.
(Sound of feet brushing the floor)
Commuters gradually swarm the carriages, and so brief cases used for
supremacy with wayward umbrellas and bulky folding bicycles. As they
are delayed their demanding city jobs they are replaced by even more
workers.
(children mumbling)
(doors opening ‘you have reached your destination’)
As the rusting silver serpent winds its way around its eternal
circle – commuters are over taken by tourists from around the world.
Rucksacks band into other rucksacks as maps are opened to hair full
capacity, turned round and round and then unsuccessfully folded.
Children count the stops to their destination loudly in their native
tongue making it feel like a United Nations rally. All are braced to
jump off at tower hill for a taster in British history or arty types
escape into the biting cold day light of embarrassment for a stroll
and the younger generation are ready to a light the south Kensington
in anticipation of to the natural history museum.
The looming will of lunch time quietens the carriages and I search
across an empty seat to read one of the many discarded papers left

2. hap hazard. The mental movement off the tube transports me into a
trance and I am now at my most vulnerable, remembering a time before
homelessness.
It is not too long before the tourist return. Different places but
all still duelled by their discoveries of the day, meeting with the
stars of madam tusaurads or clutching a photo of them outside
Sherlock Holmes abode. But the tourist rush is soon outnumbered as
the hard working commuters return home. Now exhausted from a day in
their demanding roles they search audibly for a seat to rest their
weary limbs. Their once impeccable appearance has wavered as ties
are loosened and buttons are undone, pristine hairstyles are
starting to razzle and collapse. Everybody is desperate to walk
through their own front door.
(people talking)
The circle line is more a virtual line as it has no stations of its
own, merely sharing those of other liners. I am like the circle
line, I have life I merely share the lives of others through
observation of yellow passengers, I am invisible.
I will never potter my seat for the elderly or pregnant and public,
I want to stay invisible.
My unwashed and homeless body and life is of no interest to others.
It is time for the theatre goers and fine diners to take their place
in the carriage. Adored in expensive threads and the perfumes of
extravagant purchases permeates the space.
Clutch bags guard the tickets of the latest musical or comedy sating
or even a cultural hot of Shakespeare. It is a joy to watch their
excitement and yet it is how before their journey home after the
show weary from their enjoyment.
(can falling on the ground)
(aggressive swearing)
Foolish drunken revellers sway with the tube often offending and
revolting fellow passengers.
I realise that it is to leave my faded brown, beige and orange cold
dry seat. My cocoon of warmth must be; left behind as I roam the
beautiful sheets of London to sleep in a door way or under a bridge.
I have not attended word to a soul today but in my head I have

3. countless conversations and I shall do this again tomorrow and the
day after for the circle line is my home , my life line.
(doors closing)