My mom is the one who smiles at strangers. Genuine, from her eyes smiles—and they respond. My dad barks at dogs in the streets. Not quiet, tentative barking—loud listen-up yapping. The dog owners ignore him and the dogs usually do, too. He notices people, asks strangers random questions like, “Are you pretty good with that guitar?” He digs in the trashcan at the subway station, looking for bags of chips with crumbs at the bottom to feed to the pigeons hopping around on the floor. He scares up rats from the garbage cans on the corner of the street.
Both of them make me see Boston with new eyes.
There are so many sirens here. Everything looks the same.
Look at all these different kinds of meat! They would never be able to sell this in Ladysmith.
They pay THAT MUCH for rent? How can people afford it?
So much salt! Think of the run-off into the river. How does anything grow?
Look at the opening around this tree. You can see down to the old layer of sidewalk.
So many different kinds of brick! Mostly banks and eating places. All you can see are buildings.
Look at those children playing on their small enclosed playground on the roof. Poor little things.
I guess you can tell my parents are country folk who disapprove of things too square, too lined, too numerous, too confined.
Still, I think they enjoyed their foray into the city.
Like this. :) A lot. I can imagine it so well.
This was a beautifully written piece! Thank you.
Lucy, the best thing about your writing is that you just state things like they are! Love it!
Thank you. :)
Does your Dad bark at dogs in your area as well? I say hi to a hawk on my way to work, even though my windows are rolled up. I talk to squirrels in the woods and tell them they are fat. They don’t seem to care. My husband never hesitates (you met him!) to strike up conversation with a total stranger. Your father is normal. :-)
My dad does bark at dogs at home, too! And he says they always bark back. City dogs must be different. :)
Laughing because I am Exactly Like That in a city of any size [except I don’t bark at dogs.]
Your parents are getting an education in Boston and giving you one, too! Well done, Luci.
They may have enjoyed the foray in Boston, but I’ll bet they are happier back here in Rusk County. :) PS I’d love to come and visit you and see Boston too someday.
I would love that! Please do.
How lovely that your parents could come and visit you! I don’t know you personally but I’d love to come there too and visit your school and see the city. :)
Is there a child’s book about that mother goose and her row of goslings? Or maybe they’re ducks? Zack, Lack, Mack….:)
Yes, there is a children’s book! It’s called “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey, and the story takes place right here in the Boston Public Garden, just 5 minutes from my dorm.
I love visitors! You are welcome to visit anytime. :)
Love it! I have a habit of barking at dogs, but usually only in reply if they instigate it:)
I’m so glad your parents came to visit you! :) It was brave of them to come to a big city. They sure love their wonderful daughter!
I am blessed. :)
I love the way you write! I have not seen your folks in awhile so it was great to get a peek into their lives!!
This was a heartwarming read for a snowy morning! Did you notice the stick in Mama Duck’s bill?😉