Sitting on a bench, looking out at Lake Michigan. A vast expanse of water, sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. It looks like an ocean, but it's only a lake. A large one. The beaches aren't officially open yet, but the beaches are teeming with life; young kids, old folks, teenagers, mothers, fathers stomping around in big, droopy shorts. The water is cold, ice cold. There are a few brave souls wading into the water, and finally diving into the waves. Most come scurrying back out, shivering.
There is also a path, a very popular byway. Bikes, skateboards, rollerbladers, baby strollers, wagons. Human Beings of all shapes and sizes, walking, talking, running, laughing, listening to their headphones.
We sit on the bench and just let the passing scene roll over us like an ever-changing wave. We sip our cold beverages. We speak of the world and everything in it. Our conversation is framed by long stretches of silent witnessing. Sometimes it's best to just observe, to sit quietly and take in the sights and sounds.
A big, bold, blue sky above us. Wispy white clouds like cotton dotting the blue. Just a day. In the life. On the bench.
