Yesterday afternoon:
Now, I sit in the comfort of an A/C, in the middle of the world, literally. Yes, I am here at the restaurant called Le Monde in my neighborhood, UWS. Watching people….
It is always interesting to see other people’s emotions - expressions - gestures.
The couple sit in front of me, has nothing to say to each other, she is very lonely and yet he sits there with a grin, as if everything is perfect and says nothing to her and she returns the favor in kind. Sad! Perhaps, he has a grin, because his world is perfect for now for she is sitting in front of him..
Nothing wrong with the silent gazes, but empty eyes, sad faces and utter disregard of one’s companion’s emotions troubles me.
Earlier, at the park, I saw a couple arguing. Mostly, the man listened and the woman talked to him, and at times, at him, gently. Nonetheless, they were talking, arguing with passion. Clearly, the man had it coming – must have done something wrong, or didn’t do what was expected of him or didn’t do enough of it. It is always our fault
Of course, he didn’t seem to agree.
Yet, there was something sweet about the whole argument. I couldn’t hear a word, due to distance and having my Ipod jammed in to my ears –I know very vulgar of me. It was sweet that she cared so much, what ever the chap had done or not done enough of. She cared enough – they both cared enough to have it out in the public. I saw hands flying in frustration in the air, but no screams – calm but full of anger/passion sort of an argument. Although, the lad was wearing a Yankee’s cap, which alone entitled him the wrath of any decent human being
Sadly, in the end the man walked away, quite upset. Why wouldn’t he be upset for walking away from a gorgeous women who seemed to deeply cared for him… I think he cared just as much but just couldn’t convince her – that is also sad, isn’t it?
Then there was a man, with a long white beard resembling Tolstoy, with all of his belongings – possessions in a dirty black bag with the wheels. He was laying on the bench not far from where the couple was arguing. I am convinced that he heard everything, but showed no emotions. Didn’t care a bit.
He seemed content with his life. I was envious of him.
Here I am with so much more (sort of) than him and yet not always content. He seemed resigned to the fact that it was his life, better to make best of it than to bitch. That is probably why he didn’t care about the argument. Beside, he probably had bigger things in mind; like where is he going to sleep tonight or get the food from – it is indeed a shame when rich society like ours can not provide a man with a decent room and board.
Although, clearly he was homeless, he didn’t look like one or acted like one – must have been a victim of recent circumstances, well we all are in a way … but something didn’t add up, I wanted to go over and intrude on his contentment, but thought it not appropriate. Maybe I was just afraid that he might say something that would reveal my own short comings and shallowness.
Oh it is so easy and so much fun to judge people, when one is “people watching” it is one’s own game, and one can think/judge as one pleases, isn’t it?
And, of course, I have no shame
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Dorian Gray- Magnificent! I am also an avid people watcher. Never thought to put my findings here! It's amazing the things you learn!