cracker jacks
10/12/24 10a
Walking this morning in a new place… some park north of Fort Worth Texas.
Dry leaves make a very distinct sound as dry cool breezes push them along the concrete. A slow breeze generates a scritch-scritch-scritch from every leaf. Stronger winds make single leaves float, but big pools of them will sound rustling… or a shush shush shush.
In any case, it is the sound of fall.
If you have any doubt, in the distance you’ll hear the ring of a little boys bat striking a baseball followed by a bright cheer of a small group of parents out this morning to watch their babies play ball.
A formation of geese honk their overlapping honks overhead as a gaggle of moms and dads chirp and chatter between bat-rings and cheers.
A hundred years ago, that would have been the ‘crack’ of a bat. No one uses wood bats anymore. But there would have been many things different in 1924.
Gone would be the yoga pants, body suits and sport-bras. as well as the cargo shorts and baggy-shorts. And though there would be hats, they would be of the full, wide-brim variety. The women would be in dresses, all lacy and delicate. Whilst the men wear black leather shoes and white button up shirts. There would be a seersucker or two amongst them, I think. And a straw hat would punctuate the crowd.
The children… children in baseball uniforms change little through the decades. At least visibly. This group doesn’t reflect the epidemic of childhood obesity that is normal in western culture today. They all look very smart in their striped uniforms. Though I think the inner person likely is typical of a 21st century child.
Northpark Mall. Someone is playing their heart out on the grand piano. The din of a very busy mall almost overwhelms the music. Instead his frantic keying just adds to the ambiance. An army of teenage girls strut around in clouds of the latest perfumes as they compete for who can wear the shortest skirt or tightest shirt.
Mixed in there midst are the boys 8-80, who jockey to ogle them each and every one. It is as if a competition for stolen glances and outright stares is going on.
Couples walk hand in hand. It not in romantic strolls. They all strut eagerly to get through the crowds.
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Thank you for coming here and walking through the garden of my mind. No day is as brilliant in its moment as it is gilded in memory. Embrace your experience and relish gorgeous recollection.
Into every life a little light will shine. Thank you for being my luminance in whatever capacity you may. Shine on, you brilliant souls!
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