The Park – Kevin Brown
The students were tasked to imagine they are sitting on a park bench waiting for a friend when a blind man sits down with them and asks them to share what they see.
Here are two decidedly different approaches.
Kevin paints a word picture that is both brilliantly descriptive and deeply meaningful, more than worthy of his closing line, “I see something you shouldn’t take for granted.”
Joshua, on the other hand, gives his blind man some attitude and gets schooled about using all his senses to truly see.
The Park
I sit back in my seat, thinking about how I’ll go about it. With a sigh, I look up, and start describing what I see.
“High above us, I see the sky. In it are clouds, ones that look like they’d feel like big stretched out pieces of cotton or plushie stuffing, and just as soft, if not more. They’re the white of new paper, of fresh linen, and a blank slate. They haven’t turned gray with the rage of a storm, they’re just… clouds. Clouds floating along in a blue sky. A cool blue, the type that reminds you of the winter months, of clear water, and overall calmness.
“Below that, we have the rest of the city off in the distance. Fairly large buildings of beige and gray, the colors of unwavering structure. The colors of order. The colors that only appear when there aren’t any other colors to give it life. Sharp edges, right angles, grid-like layout. Those are the rules these buildings follow. Any creativity, any happiness, any humanity you want to experience with these buildings… you’ll have to go inside to get it.
“Closer to us, a little bit lower in our view, is the reservoir. A massive mirror sprinkled with little agitations and imperfections. Its curving edges are lined with the vibrant life of green and brown, the colors of plants. The color of evolution, the color of energy. Although, due to the time of year, bright reds, oranges, and yellows that remind one of warmth despite the cold temperatures are scattered throughout the vegetation.
“The reservoir itself reflects everything, from the energetic greens, the sturdy browns, and warm reds and oranges, to the lifeless grays and beiges that hide their true nature within. To the cool, calming blue sky above, and the soft, relaxing white clouds floating in it. I see a body of water that pulls into it all that is around it.
“I see beauty. Not one that is overwhelming and in your face, but just sits there, next to you, and enjoys your company as you take it all in. The type you could look at for hours and not get bored while noticing all the little details. The type that you want to take a picture of and frame. I see something you shouldn’t take for granted.”
The man leans back, taking in everything I’ve said. He gets up, reaching a hand out to me. “Thank you for that. It helped remind me of better times.”
I take his hand and shake it. “You’re welcome, sir.”
And with that he’s gone, and I’m still waiting for my friend to finally show up. I’m okay with just sitting here though.
Kevin Brown,
11.12.21