I walked on the other side of the street today. It felt so new. And strange. And good. I had no intention of crossing to the other side but a cyclist had activated the pedestrian controlled light and traffic was stopping just as I approached the intersection, so I crossed. I felt a bit shy. I always do when I cross a busy street like Oak. A bit sheepish, as if I was stealing time from these madly efficient commuters. I always feel as if they're looking at me impatiently, crossly. Hurry up, they tell me silently, exasperated.
I keep my pace casual. The light will change in its own time whether I walk briskly or not. I will not be intimidated by their glares. Piles of cars, each with a glaring driver. And more coming all the time. Eager to get home after a long day at work.
The west side of Oak was worth it though. It's lovely. It has big houses and tree shaded side streets. I passed one carefully groomed hedge of poison ivy. Alright, maybe not poison ivy, but it looked an awful lot like it. Life seemed more interesting over there, greener, brighter.
I'm slightly ashamed to admit how rousing I found the whole thing. Maybe I'll try it again tomorrow and see that it's not such a big deal afterall.
I keep my pace casual. The light will change in its own time whether I walk briskly or not. I will not be intimidated by their glares. Piles of cars, each with a glaring driver. And more coming all the time. Eager to get home after a long day at work.
The west side of Oak was worth it though. It's lovely. It has big houses and tree shaded side streets. I passed one carefully groomed hedge of poison ivy. Alright, maybe not poison ivy, but it looked an awful lot like it. Life seemed more interesting over there, greener, brighter.
I'm slightly ashamed to admit how rousing I found the whole thing. Maybe I'll try it again tomorrow and see that it's not such a big deal afterall.
