Lane 6

This being Labor Day in these United States of America, I thought I’d reminiscence about my very first job.
It was at our local bowling alley, Plaza Lanes.
My title, “Porter”.

I remember that very first job interview like it was yesterday.
Me, so nervous as I walked into the manager’s office
& the ever so skilled manager easing my fears with an ice breaking joke.
I think his name was Mickey or Mike or Mikey.
Something like that.
It started with a ‘M’.
He was nice.

My duties as a porter were to clean up the lanes, retrieve gutter balls, wipe down tables, empty ashtrays …
Mickey Mike Mikey informed me that it would be a stinky, sticky job
& he was right.
But, I was 16.
Someone had to do it
& I was very happy to be that someone who did it.

The hours weren’t all that great.
I’d get home around midnight, with school the next day.
Saturdays and Sundays too.
Whenever those bowlers were bowling, seems I was there
& I loved it, for awhile at least.

Retrieving those gutter balls though …?
That was the worst
& truth be told, it was the reason I finally quit.
Porters’ feet were not allowed to touch those lanes during games.
Never.
Because that would mess up the rolling of the balls.
So my fellow porters and I would have to walk on that in between lane separator thingie.
Which was fine for them but, for me …?
uh
nope.

It was like an Olympic balance beam and I was the main event in the race for the Gold.
yikes.
I can still feel all those eyes upon my back
& as I’d make the turn after retrieving that darn gutter ball …?

Hello.
Please don’t stare.
please ?

When I gave Mickey Mike Mikey my two week notice I blamed it on school, homework and the much too late hours.
But, I lied.
I lied !
It was the pressure of the balance beam that broke me.

Surprisingly, I have visited our local bowling alley only once, maybe twice since those early working years.
I guess I’m not a bowler.
Every time I drive by the place though, I smile.
awwww the memories.

Hey, thanks for the opportunity Mickey Mike Mikey.
If it wasn’t for those “Porter Needed ! Lane 6 !” tightrope walking jitters, I just might have stayed at Plaza Lanes forever.

🙂

&
Happy Labor Day, my fellow Americans.
Relax, Enjoy.
Remember.