My New Commute - Character 2

The street cleaner is often executing his tasks, sweeper in hand. In the heat of summer he wears a hat with an Arabic veil hanging from the back. He looks official but suspiciously spends time in front of different businesses or manicuring different corners. He does a good job: curb stones are free of newspaper and residue; scattered leaves are swept up into the extended dust pan; sidewalks are cleared. He greets those passing by. These conversations alienate him. Walkers pick up their steps. The city looks better because of his work, but he himself is not welcome.

My New Commute - Character 1

The homeless man may appear on any corner or be sitting in the bus shelter. He has two shopping carts filled with cardboard boxes. He migrates from spot to spot and pushes a considerable set of possessions with him. One day he sat on a wall in the sunshine tearing up paper. (I wondered if it was any less constructive than all the meaningless paper I produce during the day.) One day he pulled out an apple, visibly old and unappetizing. Aged, with graying hair, he is stocky, dressed in worn clothing. He talks to himself, and I can't help hearing... " a fucking shot gun in your asshole..." spoken to no one in particular. He is angry and lives in his own street corne world.

Democracy in America

The confluence of Democracy in America by Henry Adams (or his wife Clover), The Education of Henry Adams, and Dear Friends puts me in the 18th and 19th century generations of the Adams family. With my own family generations from Boston, Quincy, Braintree and Roxbury, I see shades of my own New England Unitarian upbringing. Democracy is all the more fun because of my years in Washington. The book reinforces my own disengagement from politics, despite my long time in the nation's capital. It is filled with parody of corruption and influence. Washington seems to nothing more than change the names and characters. I did relate to the two characters. Sybil is the down-to-earth practical sort and perhaps the mold for me - not nearly as exciting as Madeline. The story is simple and tastes of the teas and salons of visiting ladies. It mocks the president and senator - Hayes and Blaine - who bring stereotypes to the book that are now more vivid than any other facts of their careers. The feminist in me salutes Abigail Adams and her literary offspring as the women seem more genuine than the men posturing for position.

Beach Snippets