
I’m sitting in a park where I used to sit in 1974. There are the tennis courts I first played on in this town, the pool where all those girls tanned, the softball fields. Our old house is just up the road. I moved here when I was 17, a fresh high school graduate (barely). I knew no one, so I would ride my bike to the park, alone, watching people,
watching for girls.
I stopped tonight on a whim, watching youngsters play softball under the lights. I realized, as I watched the crowd head home, that I was alone, watching people, watching for women. Just like that summer 32 years ago, single then, single now.
What I’m watching for has changed, perhaps, but – just like 1974 – I wouldn’t know what to do if I found one, so I’m going home, again. Do me a favor: if I’m still here, alone, in 2038, find a really big stick and beat me senseless. Thanks.





