"Sitting in a cocoon of hush,
surrounded by life and it's hectic fuss,
watching as society runs by your eyes,
caught up in unnecessary pressure and confusion,
stepping away from that pain to unwind"
I'm sorry poetry is not really my forte! Was never really interested in it at school, other than the poets of World War 1 or dirty limericks!
But what I am trying to say is that over the last few days I have spent quite a bit of quiet time, by myself or with others sitting and watching the world racing by. Sitting outside Ruby Lounge on Newland Avenue (with Sister I), in Manchester (waiting for friends watching the complimentary entertainment of two buskers dancing outside Piccadilly station) or at the airport, killing the four hours until I can check in.
The Ex and I were always very interested in our environment (when we got out together). I think you could probably call it being nosey! It was a great game to work out the back history of other people when we got out.
"What do you recon that argument is about?" indicating the couple three of four tables over, where there would be a definite air or disagreement.....he obviously with a few beers to many in him.....she making her displeasure quite clear.....or the four women out for a night! Where did they come from.....what was their history......where were they going.
I love just stepping out from the constant pressures of modern life. We spend most of our lives rushing around without really stopping to enjoy the moments that we have. It is one of the reasons that I love France and Edinburgh so much.....there is such a cafe culture, where you can spend two or three hours just sitting and watching (okay that sounds very creepy! I don't mean night vision goggles in the shrubbery kind of thing!) Watching as the rest of humanity does exactly what you would be doing were it not for the fact that you had stopped - taken those precious moments out from the rat race!
Okay hands up! Think I've probably spent far too much time in this Costa coffee! Should probably have stopped after the fourth latte!
I definitely agree. In fact I think observing people is a really important skill for a writer. Being (fairly) newly single too it definitely gives you more quiet time than you have become used to. You don't realise how much time you have just hanging out with someone until that time is entirely yours. Great to take time out from our 24 hour culture sometimes. Enjoy your holiday!
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