The Tailor

17 Aralik 2006

2 weeks ago I went to the tailor's for a couple of amends I needed on some clothes. That was an errand I postponed for a while so having it done symbolised a lot to me; like having control of my personal life, like doing something to increase the quality of my life. Things like that.

Like all back street tailors', this one was a very old-looking place, both from the inside and outside. An ancient radio. Old chairs. An old newspaper cutting on the wall. Why? I got close and read it, an old news telling about a fire that had taken place on the street many years ago. I remembered that one vividly. Obviously the tailor did as well. I pitied him. Having to work in this so old place, this old life.

There was a woman in front of me, describing in detail how exactly she wanted her clothes to be done. I watched her carefully and in patience for some minutes. Only three pieces, but she had so much directions to give about them. I admired her.

She left. The old tailor asked me what he could do for me.

I emptied my bag; a dress, a handbag, three pants..

I started telling the tailor what I wanted him to do to each of them... as detailed as I could like the lady before me.

Just about the third piece, the tailor raised a hand; ''maam, this is too much. I can't manage all of these. ''

I stopped and looked at him.

''You brought too many items. If everyone brought as many items as you did, how could I finish all of them? How could I serve everybody?'' He was showing the clothes on the shelves behind him, all waiting to be amended. He was like the poor girl in the tale that was stuck up in a room by the king to turn the roomful of straw into gold till dawn.

I was too surprised to speak. Yes, I have a strange shyness in dealing with this type of fellows; tailors, butchers or hairdressers but this was something else. He was refusing to work more to earn more!

''I am sorry I don't understand. '' I said. ''I need all these five pieces to be done.''

''I can't do all of them'' he said. ''I am sorry.''

''OK, tell me what I should do. Tell me what people do.'' I said.

''You could bring in three pieces, then when you come to take them on Monday, you could bring in another three pieces.'' He looked so sure of himself, of his labour philosophy, obviously woven in years. I was trying to hold back my laughter.
''Well, take your time. '' I said. ''I don't need them for Monday. If you like you can choose three pieces, finish them till Monday and go on with the rest in the coming days.''

''All right then..'' He looked relieved. ''So what about this dress?''

When I went there on Monday to collect my three pieces, he said he finished all five..