The People Who Live in My Beard
By Neville Turner
QuailBellMagazine.com
I can't be too sure, but I'm beginning to suspect that there are people living in my beard. They moved in a while ago, seting up camp in the woods at the end of my chin.
They're not normal sized people though. They're tiny ones, with heads the size of peanuts, limbs like matchsticks, and sesame seed eyes. Sometimes when I'm watching TV, I can see them in my peripheral vision, but as soon as I look down, they're gone. I keep trying anyway.
I used to think it was all in my head, but then I started to find evidence: tiny clothes, leftover food, and small shelters weaved together with the shorter hairs. Initially I was creeped out, but I'm starting to like them. How many people can say they've got their own little community contained within their beard?
If I pretend to be asleep I can hear them talking. I can't make out what they say though, their voices are so small and gentle, like whispers that tickle the tiny bones hidden within your ears. Sometimes it tickles so much I can't contain the giggles. As soon as I let it out though, they go quiet. They're a very secretive bunch. I've tried talking to them but they never talk back.
They've been with me for almost a year now, they moved in when she moved out.