Noticed how many public benches nowadays have names stenciled on them? What passes through your mind seeing one of these?
Over the last few years, while walking alone, I've found myself sometimes wondering about the story behind a name. Did the person ever sit there? Do they or did they live near by? What motivates someone to have their own name stenciled on a bench? If someone else was responsible, what was their relationship with the person whose name is on the bench?
I saw "Shawshank Redemption" for the 2nd time a few weeks ago. Passing several of these benches yesterday, a poignant scene from that film when the old convict (played by James Whitmore) carves his name on a crossbeam came to my mind. Notice the most common graffiti around us are names? Ever put your own handprint or name into wet cement? What other variations on this old theme have you noticed?
About Me
- Pat Barton
- My most recent single release - "My True North" - is now available on Bandcamp. Open my profile and click on "audio clip".
Gary and I recently "lost" (I hate that term he actually died) a good friend in January. Gary and he used to sit on a bench at Belmar beach and smoke cigars while they discussed and probably solved the problems of life. To celebrate his life and remember the fond times (I hate that word too) , we tried to get a plaque on a bench there. All taken for now. But I remember Neal everytime we walk on the boardwalk and as far as I am concerned he is still around... plaque, bench or nothing.
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