The salesman

Right beside me sits a largish bloke, perhaps no older than 35. He has the gift of the gab. He chats animatedly to his mate beside him, a conversation that the whole carriage can be expected to hear. I sit beside him, carelessly flicking through my Evening Standard, pretending not to eavesdrop. He talks of his newfound love for Jeremy Kyle after watching yesterday's hot topic of the day, 'I know you cheated on me because I got an STD', nothing less is expected on a train to Southend Victoria, in the land of Essex. You cannot help but hear every word they are saying. The man is a comedian at heart, a salesman by occupation. Its no wonder he has learnt to charm the crowds. 5 minutes later and this man is still endorsing Jeremy Kyle as the cure to every man's bad day. He speaks of one having had a shitty day at work coming home to a round of slagging matches on TV after the subject's boyfriend/friend/brother cheated/lied/had a baby with other guys/best mate/mother/mistress (delete as necessary), stories almost prevalent in every episode of Jeremy Kyle. Stories that somehow puts life in perspective after you realise that yours isn't so bad after all.

A man opposite him, dressed in a sharp business suit suppresses a smile behind his Evening Standard. He catches my eye and we both smile. The salesman is still ranting away about Jeremy Kyle. The smile turns to a chuckle and soon enough this salesman has drawn us in. A lady opposite is intently reading a book titled 'Life after death', supposedly a book written by a friend of hers. Its not long before the salesman spots her and after confessing she's been reading the same line over and over, she too is drawn in. Soon, passengers seats across get wind of today's hot topic conversation and soon enough the whole carriage seems to be in on this conversation. The mood lifts and what was once a bunch of strangers dressed up in their work attire~ uptight suits and tight ties has turned into a place of lively banter. Weary, robotic travellers are suddenly brought to life. All due to the power of the salesman.