There's a calming effect I experience when I walk under an overpass. There is a pinging in my ears as the sound of the cars "whooshing" by bounces back and forth against the concrete pillars stimulating my senses. Even in an instant of seemingly chaotic stimuli a person can get lost in the moment All my senses are heightened as I take each step, and my head is down as I read the words of Mark Twain in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." I am focused on the story in my hands, but aware of the step I'm in and the steps to come. The cracks in the concrete remind me of the childhood game to be played alone or with others. "Don't step on a crack, or you'll break your mother's back!" we would declare one to the other. As I think this reading of Tom's excellent adventure in whitewashing Aunt Polly's fence, and simultaneously take an extended stride to avoid a crack. I resist the temptation to stop a moment and take a moment to climb the concrete that ascends toward the ceiling of the overpass to read a few moments and enjoy the waves of sounds under the bridge of concrete. It calls to me but I politely decline the invitation and trudge along. The browned leaves rustle beneath my feet as I step back into the sunlight. A welcomed warming to my chilled cheeks and inviting me to play some more. Again, I do not check my pace and continue along the paved walkway. It's a cool winter day with a bright encouraging sun. Today I am simply determined not to be engaged in spirited follies of the usual nature, but to enjoy an early morning perambulation of a reserved nature and to stimulate my creative eye by the leisurely reading of a fine piece of American literature.
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