Kids Play

Yesterday I took a break from the rigmarole of the working world and enjoyed a lunchtime urban excursion. Like most working class blokes this was a series of nodal errands; an all too practical excuse to escape. So here I am walking up the hills of Seattle, enjoying the momentary sun and just taking in the vitality of the dense sea air. Up the first hill I pass a daycare playground. The yard is protected by a chain-link fence. Now I ponder does the fence exist to keep the kids from experiencing the dangers of the urban world beyond its boundaries; or does it exist to prevent people like me from escaping the real world for an afternoon of bliss? There is a small hill in the yard, kids running every which way. One little lad runs up the hill, then turns downhill...arms outstretched he lets gravity control the speed and cadence of his little legs. For just a moment I hope and wish he would take flight. Another girl methodically walks the serpentine trail up the hill. Each foot tasting the topographic texture in a deliberately experimental fashion. I wonder what she will be when she grows up. I move beyond the yard, the sound of traffic increasing and the fragrance of spring in February strong upon my tongue. I reach Third, turning north and find a huge pod of children out for a stroll. I elude them behind the next door, my responsibilities persuading me to complete my next stop. But my soul yearns to feel their youthfulness. As I exit I find them earnestly waiting for the bus. Most who wait for the Metro pass the time in silent isolation, but these kids know how to make the most of the moment. Aligned along the extent of the stop, they joyously gesticulate the 'honking' signal. Car after car unleash their horns in a primordial plead by their owners to return to a simpler time. Each honk is complimented by a gleeful eruption of screams and shouts of satisfaction from the youth. And then the mother lode approaches; a bus, streaking by unleashing an important lesson to all...live the moment.