Living in the Park

Sometimes I wonder would it be easier to live in the park. To be at one with nature, the open air and the quiet solitude of self. To be a free spirit, to be at one with the ebb and flow of life, to be content without time.

I know of such a man and at times I envy him. He sits in stillness for a passerby to connect and graciously accepts hand outs for food to sustain himself. He asks for nothing yet warmly shares smiles with those who look in his direction. When a shoulder is needed he offers it, when an ear is required he listens and when words of wisdom are desired he shares openly his gift of knowing the truth.

Once a man in the corporate world he broke free from the limits, the lies and the labels. He gained freedom, maintained his autonomy, and choose quite consciously to live a life of peace. For his days are leisurely, with endless possibilities, tied to nothing other than the land.

Some days are harsh due to rain, wind and cold. Sometimes the hunger in his belly is unbearable. And sometimes the cruelty of his fellow man is the most unbearable of all. However, the simplicity of it all at times must be joyous. No cell phone, no bills, no commitments, no responsibility. No time clock, no boss, no dictator telling one what to do.

On the flip side of this freedom from mass consciousness one has to ask is it escapism, turning a blind eye, or just running away? Hum...a question to ponder, and at times, I wish I had time to ponder such questions. However, my cell phone is ringing, my daytimer is full, I have bills to pay, and responsibility to all.

So, for now this contemplation subsides as I choose to be part of the game called life. The life in the park just isn't for me in that I enjoy a hot bath, warm sheets and the comfort called home. I admire my friend in the park and as he reminds me that for him it is easy and for me it isn't the life.

When I asked him why it isn't for me, he pauses, looks into my eyes and says, 'Your a woman that's why. It's much harder for a woman to live in the park.'