August 10, 2010
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Bits of Humanity
The subway wasn't too busy when I got on it the other day. I was able to find a seat quickly. I looked around and saw a woman sitting by the aisle with a man standing beside her. His hand was on her shoulder and he was just gently rubbing it. It looked kinda romantic but I didn't pay a lot of attention to them. They were one of many passengers. Then I noticed the woman appeared to be crying. She had a pair of large sunglasses that covered her eyes. But you could see her chest heaving a bit, just quietly sobbing. She was wearing black and so was the man. I figured they must either be coming from a funeral or going to one. As I got off the train, the man continued to gently move his thumb around her shoulder trying to comfort her.
On the way home, I hopped on the streetcar. This one didn't have any air conditioning. It was about 90% full. A woman with 2 young girls squeezed in behind me to grab 2 of the last seats. She sat in between the 2 girls, brought out a book and started to read out loud. I've never seen this before and it was a nice feeling. I listened as she read from the book to the girls. She had a strong but soothing voice. I wondered if she was a teacher. Her voice seemed to cool the air and soften the street noise. It was comforting and I left the streetcar with a smile.
It was just nice to see these bits of humanity in a sea of humans.
Comments (21)
i can picture this nicely. thanks
You have such a sensitive soul Matt. Only someone like you can observe beautiful things in people.
So many stories out there. That's why I enjoy observing those around me.
@buddy71 - thank you, appreciate the rec too. I hope your joints are feeling a bit better.
@ZSA_MD - well, there are lots of good folks out there - I'm glad I was able to caught a glimpse of them.
@Roadlesstaken - yeah, I love people watching (passive stalking?). I always wonder what is going on with them, what they are going through... stuff like that.
First paragraph, Matt - was the man's hand on his own shoulder or was it on the woman's shoulder?
I like the idea of story time on the TTC. All public transit systems should have that.
@christao408 - oh, thanks for catching that.
Really beautiful post, Matt.
Its nice to just sit & watch, there is still good out there. We just have to look with our eyes.
These are just some things in life that reminds us that it's nice to be alive.
I am a people watcher. If I am staying at a hotel you will find me in the lobby "reading" my paper. I love to watch people and even try to make a little story around them. I never had a mum read to me on the streetcar on the train yes
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Have to say I've never seen a parent reading to their kids on public transport over here. It's nice though when you see something that brings a smile into your day.
nicely written!
Nice images that evokes
@Dezinerdreams - thank you.
@tsotofu - yeah, but all that ugliness sometimes covers it so well.
@oxyGENE_08 - yeah, I just love that feeling when you appreciate all that is out there.
@Fatcat723 - we would have fun at a lobby, train station or airport. Lots of potential story ideas...
@Chatamanda - sometimes it's hard to find these stories.
@JonasApproved - thanks Jonas! It really is good to see you back here.
@stepaside_loser - thanks, I need these feel good images more and more.
@vsan79 -
& *hugs* back to you.
you amaze me Matt. I wish you guys lived close to me.
@macphoto - I can be very annoying, just ask my bf.
I had similar experience at an airport once with a father and 2 boys. It happened years ago, but I still remember it. Seem even more rare with men and kids.
i like this post!!!! i am doing this every time wherever i go
hihi
Matt, I tend to see those around me as well.
Some times the view is pleasant, some times it just leaves
me wondering. I enjoy these touches of humanity as well.
It doesn't surprise me at all that you are one of those who
walk around with open eyes and open spirit.
*~matthew~*
I really like this
. Haven't really noticed much humanity in HK, a lot of people seem quite happy to leave old people standing without giving them a seat.
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