I wandered over to Walpole Park and sat by the small cafe with a cup of black coffee. The sun warmed my face then intermittently disappeared behind summer clouds. I watched the world go sailing by…..
A boy with a stick swishing it about like Robin Hood on speed (boys want to be men while men want to be boys); two Indian girls stride by, arm in arm, best friends forever – at least until they find some new friends….a 60s-something man in a funny looking bowler hat sits down with his mate and savour their ice creams in the sun; a dog, a real honest-to-goodness hound lies on the ground, half asleep from his canine exertions; an afro-Caribbean woman in a bright dress is under the shelter and dancing around the support posts with her ten year old son as if she’s at a ball. (and she is). She high-fives her son and I grin at their carefree actions; some people of my acquaintance sit and chat with me for a while then move on, wishing me well; a nicely attired granny tells her grandkids they can have anything they want – then turns her nose up at the sickly sweet confectionery chosen; I wave at one of the mums from the school. She is with her son and his friend enjoying the last day of the hols before the start of term; a man walks by with his wife. He has silver hair and a short matching beard. He’s wearing an old fashioned cap. He looks just like Jeremy Corbyn though I can’t see a red star on the cap so I assume he’s just a mismanaged doppleganger; a tough looking big guy strolls past with his girlfriend in tow. He has a ‘dog’ on a leash, one of those hideous miniature yappers in a little coat. He doesn’t look pleased to be seen with her pride and joy – but at least he’s getting laid tonight.
The day is calm. The September sun still shining. The trees are various shades of emerald. My phone rings and I reluctantly leave the parade as life moves on without me to observe its comings and goings…..
Remember to Live 