the Nearness of You

Long lazy Sunday in the park, unexpectedly contemplating mortality. Youth providing no immunity against it, as it turns out.

The September sun radiated its warmth over the park-goers. The runners, the children, the lovers, and sweltering heat. Moving to the shade and suddenly fall sends shiver down the spine. The afternoon turns into a constant move between the two and nothing satisfies the restlessness. Finally waiting for the local at 81st, and though the platform was warm, the train car was cold, and the AC brought goosebumps to life.

At 50th, a young man carrying a copy of the New Yorker sat down next to me, and he brought with him an air of body heat, that thawed my shivering arm. It was all I could do not to lean in. On such a sunny day, this being something else, as though no amount of sunlight can replace human contact. It's another lesson learned. Reluctantly.