From the park bench
I developed a routine during the COVID-19 lockdown in Chicago. I go to my local independent coffee shop. The couple that own it depend on neighbors to stay afloat. They are open for carryout only. The Perfect Cup is a neighborhood gathering place in normal times. They would be sorely missed if forced to close.
I pick up a newspaper on the way home and do the three crossword puzzles.
I go for a walk every day. It relieves isolation and boredom. There is only so much time a person can spend on the phone talking to friends and family. There is only so much time I can spend sitting on my kiester, staring at a computer. There is only so much time I can tolerate the news coming out of that circus in Washington D.C.
We are social beings. Being cooped up alone with no social contact is unnatural. While walking, I greet and am greeted by neighbors and total strangers. People have a need to socialize, even if it is a short hello and smile from a distance. Mail people are especially delighted to be greeted.
The exercise is good for us and gets the blood flowing. It is still chilly in Chicago so a long brisk walk does wonders. It lightens the mood when you can only see what is out the front windows.
Yesterday, I walked to a rather large park near my home. It was eerily empty. I walked through and found a park bench in the center. I sat for a while contemplating the silence. The trees were still bare. There were squirrels running, climbing, and chasing each other. There was a weeping willow tree that resembled an old man type tree. It reminded me of some fantasy or fairy tale tree I read about in my misguided youth.
Today, I walked through my neighborhood. Businesses are closed, the streets are mostly empty. It is like a ghost town. More restaurants closed, temporarily or for good. Other non-essential businesses were closed. Most of these were small businesses or small business franchises. I do not know if they will survive.
Walking through another park, I saw two families playing tennis with their children, staying a safe distance from each other. That was the only activity. The park was empty. The playgrounds were empty.
There is a public square in the area. It too was empty. I sat on another park bench wondering if the emptiness and solitude were the new normal. The normal traffic noises- screeching and horns- were gone. Lincoln Avenue, a small business retail corridor, was just about devoid of vehicles. The only mechanical sound was from the nearby L trains.
I walked a little longer then headed for home. I passed by one the barbershops I patronize and saw the above sign in the window. “Because I’m scared.” She is another nice person whose livelihood is impacted by the lockdown.
Tomorrow will be another day and another walk. If you are locked down, get out. Get some air. Get some exercise. Meet and greet without getting close to others. If possible and safe, support any local neighborhood businesses that remain open.
There is a bright side to the COVID-19 pandemic. Humor. I have seen more great humor on social media, even what some would consider inappropriate humor. Weiner Circle is a long time hot dog stand in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. They are known for three things. Their hot dogs, their funny insulting staff, and their constantly changing humorous sign.
We need to laugh. We need to amuse ourselves and others. A good laugh hurts no one and heals us all. If you find good pandemic humor, share it or email it. Tell jokes. Laugh. Humor and laughter do more good than anything right now.
