thursdays in the park with bailey

To the east, the boys are in white helmets, capri pants and unnumbered jerseys in white, navy, yellow, green or red. To the west, girls of varying heights and their own choice of shirts are practicing cheers. To the sky, the cicadas are screaming, a desperate cry for companionship before their clock runs out. 

A group of boys in green jerseys run past to go to the park center’s bathroom. One boy asks a friend “did you ever sneak out?” Receiving no answer, he asks another friend, “did YOU ever sneak out?” They make it into the bathroom before I can hear if anyone will answer his question.

Some adults play pickleball on the new courts, installed within the last year, right behind the tennis courts. There had been contention before this addition, tennis folks annoyed at having to share their space with the now popularized PE activity. It looks as boring as it was when we were forced to play in high school. I don’t understand the hype. There are lots of things I’ve grown to like as I’ve matured. Mushrooms, rye bread, naps. But not pickleball. 

Charlie Kirk was shot yesterday. I think he’s dead. I haven’t actually come across a news article proclaiming his death in the title (that’s all I read) but I spent a lot of time on TikTok and then Facebook to follow the developments and gauge reactions. I feel a lot of things. And nothing. Mostly felt like I needed to touch grass.  So that’s why I came out to the park today. To touch grass. Then the kids with their after school activities, and the cicadas with their last ditch efforts for a legacy came out, and that’s the real grass I needed to touch. Humans may take each other out, but the cicadas will remain. 

I could have gone to the gym today. I thought about it, I really did. But I’m still *cough sneeze sniffle* sick. I’ve been sick for over a week now, which feels like it’s ruining my chance to enjoy the outside before the cold comes in. The outside, which I’ve been avoiding even in good health, for what feels like years now. 

I don’t know why. I do have to go down 3 flights of stairs and walk 3 city blocks to get to the park, which somehow feels like a barrier. It’s not. I am able bodied and in generally good enough health. Maybe I feel out of place at the park. All these kids and their after school activities. Though I do fit in with the cicadas. Screaming for attention and relevancy, while trying to enjoy the sun. 

A woman walks by with a cane and some sort of orthopedic boot on her foot, following her companion who is walking a short legged white muzzled dog. The dog found something of interest in the grass and took an opportunity to get on their back for a good wiggle in something probably stinky. 

I’ve been here about an hour and a half, and now I half to pee. Did I mention I grabbed some ciders?

The cheerleaders are now practicing their cartwheels and handsprings. They seem to be more active than the football boys. But I never did either sport, so what do I know. 

The sun will soon set enough to peak through my protective branches and go for my cornea, so it’s probably time to go home soon. Thanks for listening. It was nice to chat. 

XOXO

Go Piss Girl