Park Bench — October

I walk this route every morning. Past the park, past the bench, past the dog walkers and the guy who’s always on his phone. I never stopped.

Then one October morning I just did. Sat down on the bench. Cold metal through my jacket. Leaves doing their thing. A dog briefly investigated my shoes and moved on.

Fifteen minutes. No timer. I left when it felt done.

I’ve gone back maybe a dozen times since. Not always the same bench — there are three in this park and each one has its own relationship with the light depending on the time of morning. I’m partial to the one on the north end in November when the sun comes through lower.

It’s still a little weird sitting in a public space with your eyes closed. Worth it.