Two Perceptions

A Story by Maple Ellen

Just a writing prompt I wanted to do! The prompt was to write a description about a character to fall in love with, then rewriting the description that repulses you. Please do leave a comment!

At first glance, he came off as a ragged bum with no shoes, begging for pocket change by playing an overused ukulele. But with closer inspection he was handsome young man, with a beautiful voice and magical fingers. His hair was long, straight, but the ends curled into blonde whisps that hung about his shoulders. He had a long face, with high cheek bones and a strong chin that were studded with hair. Whenever he looked up at his onlookers, his eyes sparkled the brightest blue, like when the Sun reflects on the ocean when its calm. Everyday he wore the same outfit, a baja hoodie with assortment of green and red, and acid wash jeans with enormous holes at the knees. He had a wayward look about him, relaying a message to his viewers that he has lived and obtain knowledge through life experiences. He sung ballads of love and acceptance while strumming his ancient ukulele. A crowd always formed in a short amount of time when he began performing. They loved him, and they showed this love by giving him more than just coins they had sparingly. Some would throw in fives, others tens, and the more prestigious would place a twenty in the gray sailor hat that was used for such donations. There was even a point where a string snapped on his ukulele, ending the show early, but a man in business attire offered to buy him a new ukulele all together. One that would benefit his talent and improve his performance. The young man only smiled while shaking his head, declining the kind gesture. The crowd parted as he made his way through, admiring his humility. Most would think of what a wonderful man he was, and that he deserved better.

Though for being a handsome bum with no shoes, he always looked clean, like he just properly showered before the show. His hair would shine with the slightest movement, he would even let the younger women touch it when they asked. Well he only consented to the pretty ones; he usually ignored the homely types. His feet also looked well and free of scaling, especially for someone who supposedly couldn't afford shoes. Even his familiar outfit was free of stains and taken care of, his baja hoodie wasn't overly frayed for being worn so often. Particularly, the only aspect of him that was worn, would have been the ukulele. It was made of soiled wood, giving it dark skin, and its frets were so faded, someone would have to closely inspect it to find the faint glimmer of metal. But his fans ignored such details, he was a beautiful homeless man with a supple amount of talent. They ignored whenever he would rise an octave when someone place a dollar into his open case, increasing the crowds perception and judgement to a cheap donation. They also didn't seem to care, whenever he would talk to a pretty girl while she touched his hair for an extended time, after his last song. While whispering into her ear flattering words, worldly wisdom, and carnal insinuations, the crowd would disperse in small spurts. Other times when the show ended, he would walk away his ukulele in hand and sailor's hat equipped, the crowd still clapping with admiration. He would disappear onto the busy sidewalk, where he would enter a nearby alley where his parked 2001 Honda was waiting for him. He put on his crocs that he left on the floor board of the passenger side and incopsuciusly pull out the opposite end of the ally, pulling onto another street. From there he went home, to his apartment located in what is considered a middle class area

© 2017 Maple Ellen

Author's Note

I would appreciate any constructive criticism! I've begun writing exercises to improve myself, especially with character descriptions.
Now I know the ending seems cut off, but this is not a full story. It's only a description of a character in two different views.
Enjoy!