Shouldn't…but Do

Seasons change and so has Walking Man.

Walking Man has a reputation for silent striding.  For some years, from one end of the neighborhood to the other, in most weather, he walks, but not usually after dark.  He and I share this mobile proclivity and I have commented on him in a previous post.

Some weeks ago, on a shadeless day, I was on walkabout with my children.  Down the street and past us came Walking Man – on a bike.  Blond hair flying, he rode just ahead of another  about his age.

About two weeks ago, both of us solitary, he passed me again on his bike – as fast as wind – his face ebullient.

Even in summer heat and humidity, Walking Man wears long sleeves.  Yesterday it was 95 degrees.  Walking Man walked – in short sleeves.  Opposite side of the street, Walking Man nodded, smiled, and as he passed, I hailed him, commenting on the weather.  He returned the favor.

Walking Man has changed.  Not so silent, not so slow, sometimes a smile.  Small – important – steps for one so intently passing through.

Seasons change.