It was so hot today.
The heat made my Bobness boil, and I just had to get out of that office.
When she looked at me she could tell, and let me go early on account of my business trip to Boston tomorrow.
We both know it was because she didn't want to smell me anymore.
I don't know what it is about sticky summer days that makes my B/O so offensively potent.
I put on extra deodorant this morning. Didn't matter.
I still stank, and I know that she smelled it.
I got out at 3 p.m and walked in battery park, like always.
I've been thinking about taking a proactive stance against my loneliness.
Making friends has always been hard for me, but I have never had that kind of aggressive personality that can attract friends.
So I decided to put myself out there.
The combination of heat and my desperate situation may have led me to irrational action.
I thought, if I lie down somebody is bound to talk to me.
No one talked to me.
I could have been hurt.
I could have been passed out.
But not one person stopped and said, "Are you okay?"
It would have been nice if someone asked, because I wasn't okay.
I tried again by lying next to two girls that were sunning on the grass.
It was a bold choice to lie next to them because if they had recognized my existence and said something to me, I would have Bobbed all over them.
They probably smelled me anyway.
I moved on.
Then I noticed that I was sharing a moment with someone.
The man with the towel on his head who was standing like a soldier whose job was to absorb the heat and stickiness and awkward tension that existed within this day.
He could feel it just like I could.
We never spoke or made eye contact, I don't even know if he saw me at all.
But we shared an energy, a feeling, a presence.
His presence recognized my presence and found understanding.
Its been a long time since I felt understood.
It made me happy.
Maybe I don't need to take action as much as I need to allow those moments to happen.
photos by Michael Hart
posted by Robert at 11:18 PM
5 Comments:
Dear Bob,
To relieve your loneliness, I encourage you think about that flag that you're carrying.
The American flag requires that the person carrying it exemplify its values.
The flag is never lonely. And therefore, never should you be lonely. The flag never takes life lying down, and neither should you.
I hope this bit of advice and encouragement finds you in better spirits.
Finally, thanks for your note on my site.
Sincerely,
Paul M. Sark
I see this as a political match.
I think it's lovely how, when he least expected it, Bob found a moment without loneliness. And, Sark, you gotta give him a break. He wears that sad flag well, don't you think?
Darling Bob:
I encourage you to find freedom within your everyday life.
Abandon your strict white-collar office attire every chance you get. Color is the secret to happiness.
Take up the bicycle. I bet it will get you to work even faster than the train, probably cut your time to 45 min. or even 1/2 hour once you get better at it. And the thrill of actively putting your life at risk every single day dodging NY cabs! think of it, you will reach a new sense of Robertness and be proud that your B.O. comes not from the subway stench but from fresh air and a free spirit.
Use natural deoderant and pack it in your backpack with you. I personally use the brand, Tom's of Maine, that contains tea tree oil and only natural smells so that if you get sweaty, you are nature sweaty and smell of trees and forest rather than some false "male" odor.
And above all, read in public parks and purchase foods from the Farmer's market, you can bathe with fresh lavender when you come home from the office. . .
one kiss,
Machu Pichu
im sorry. what sign is bob?
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