☕ Cafe Delite | The Old Man | Part 3
Explaining some hidden and not so hidden elements in the tale. Start with Part1 if you haven’t read it yet.
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Epilogue:
Here are some hidden and not so hidden explanations to the elements in the tale.
Cafe Delite
The Cafe is a middle ground. It is a metaphor which has different meanings. It can refer to a place of relaxation, meditation, or even a place of worship. The Cafe is a place of wonder and holds many mysteries.
Reference to the WW2
One cause for World War 2 was the failure of appeasement. Which stands for forcing one’s system on another and invading into their space.
Another Passage / DoorWay
This is symbolic for the passage between the two worlds. “No one has seen the doorway” applies to the living. The doorway appears only once in a person’s life.
The Old Man
Symbolises God who in this tale becomes visible to others when he enters middle ground, Cafe Delight. The form of the old man is just what they see. When he touches Mark in the end, he reveals himself.
Mark
Represents a person or state of ignorance, arrogance, misinformed, selfish or self-centered. Someone who thinks he is perfect in all ways, while all those who don’t agree to his ways are at fault. He can represent an individual or collective. An oppressor or suppressor of another’s freedom of expression or life.
Cohen
“The minor falls, the major lifts” is from Leonard Cohen’s song titled Hallelujah. It mentions how David played a secret chord that pleased the Lord. The music playing in the background is to please the new guest, the old man.
David
Biblically, it is said that David was very close to the Lord, and he served him well. Here the cafe is owned by David, his helpers could loosely relate to Angels/Protectors.
The Young Couple:
You would have figured this out by now.
Bread & Supper
The Bread getting ready symbolises that the time is approaching for Mark. The Supper represents the last supper when he broke bread and gave it to others. In a way, it symbolises Mark’s last day here on earth.
Other References
“Strange that I haven’t seen you around. Small world we say, yet so distant,” – Shows Mark’s ignorance to see the reality right in front. This represents us, humans searching all around when what we really want is right in front of our very own eyes.
“No, just for a day. Had an appointment for 2nd November. I plan to leave later tonight.” – This is the ‘Day of the Dead’ in Mexican tradition and all souls day for some Christian denominations.
“… Yes I attend to my clients’ requests and serve them but as long as they are happy I don’t get into their personal space.” – Refers to the Biblical concept of ‘Free Will’.
“He smiled and reached into his bag, pulled out a small wooden horse, and gave it to the kid.” – This is regarding the Dala Horse toy from Dalarna in Sweden. This small wooden horse toy tells the story of how the entire village, in the 19th century sailed through the hardships and triumphed making and selling these toy horses.
“Ok” said the old man, and the rain stopped. As he spoke he reached out and touched Mark’s hand; an icy chill went up his spine. – The point where Mark realises that the old man was God and sees his form.
“David, it is time” called out the old man. – This has reference to the opening of the passage / doorway.
“Father, I am ready” The lights stopped flickering …. – Mark leaves with him for eternity…