Unit I (Going to the Park)

The sun shone furiously bright today, its’ unrelenting yellow and orange rays of light seem to rain down upon everything without mercy. It was simply a scorching hot and humid day, so much so that the average human being should start perspiring the very moment they dared leave the safe air-conditioning of their automobile. The asphalt only added to the suns relenting glare as it reflected upwards with intensity that only seemed to multiply the searing waves of heat and humidity. As I made hast to exit the parking lot I glimpsed the fleeting image of a small black beetle that was also trying to maneuver itself out of the parking lot, its tiny legs protruding from its shelled body were frantically working back and forth to propel its miniscule frame towards its destination. As the beetle made its pitiful way towards the green safe zone, I contemplated to myself, “how could any living creature crawl across this asphalt and survive on a day like this?” 

    The distance between the parking lot and the park was short, merciful and without incident, as I approached the entrance to the Armor Memorial Park I could make out the joyful singing of birds from a large oak tree that stood planted firmly to the front of the park. The sweet chatter of the birds was partially subdued by the intermittent back ground whooshing noise of automobiles as they zipped back and forth going up and down the Dixie Highway. At that moment I truly wished that the Dixie Highway and its annoying vehicles were far away. As I was attempting to enjoy the birds, there was one in particular that seemed to strike my fancy with its soothing and passionate tune, I could only assume from the sweet whispers and sensuous vibrations that it was in the thralls’ of a lover’s call. My attempt to pin point the exact location of this melodious treasure was in vain due to the insidious and unwavering humming of the Highway. I never did get a chance to gaze upon the single song bird who gave that delightful performance of harmony blended with serene and intoxicating passion, I distinctly remember feeling robbed and cheated of something so priceless and free.

     As all of the creatures who were oblivious to my approach continued to go about their daily business and routines. I stopped to take in the vastness of what appeared to be a massive yet young oak tree, its broad and erect trunk sprouted smaller versions of itself with hydra like arms that sprouting up and out with branches for its tentacles. It’s coarsely lined brown and grey bark resembled an outer skin that seemed to stretch around and protect everything as if its maker was so inclined to do so. The branches seemed to span as wide as the tree was tall and its leaves where full and green as a healthy tree should be during this time of the year. The air smelled of freshly cut grass that slightly tickled my nostrils in a mild allergy sort of way. I rationalized how this mighty oak represented and symbolized so many great things, the animals had an impervious home where they undoubtedly could thrive and prosper, and its branches like a wide umbrella provided awesome shade to any living being from the punishment of the raging sun. The oak also reminded me of one of those magnificent statues I have read about and saw pictures of that stood in front of the Egyptian Pharaohs tombs like a guard at the entrance symbolizing a beacon of strength and immortality.

    The park entrance was to my left and opposite to that on my right was this shiny brown bench made of steel supported by concrete slabs. The slabs seem to be coated with pebbles that reminded me of the toasted almond ice cream bars that the neighborhood ice cream truck man would sell. The bench bore the lettered name sake of the museum to which it belonged, and best of all it sat under the shade of the mighty oak! I quickly took my leave and sat down upon the bench, as I soaked up the sounds, sights and smells, I selfishly basked in the ambiance of the moment. I remember someone telling me long ago, “remember to enjoy the simple things,” that advice has served me well over the years, and I remember at the time wishing that that moment could last forever.