Peek a boo
I'm not a people watcher.
The great unwashed public are like a blur to me; indistinct, grey and unfeatured. White noise while I try to read the newspaper. A bit like this Rene Magritte painting. I register their presence but not their individuality.
I was talking to a couple of widely divergent friends who said they were people watchers and it took me a while to work out what they have in common.
They are all compulsive sunglass wearers.
Rain, hail or shine; if they are in public, their eyes are masked.
I only wear sunnies while driving. It's too awkward swapping my glasses and sunglasses back and forth. Maybe that's why I'm uncomfortable with people watching.
Until yesterday.
A young couple were in the carpark at work. (That's right, at a workplace with beautifully sculpted gardens and walkways, my desk looks over the carpark)
She was upset with her hip cocked out, large hand expressions to punctuate her every word and repetitive flicking of her head to move her fringe.
Her build is elven. Short statured, pixie haircut with angular features evoking the border peoples between Russia and Mongolia.
Her boyfriend, I presume boyfriend, trys to calm her down. Nodding his head with every statement. Moving forward in an attempt to comfort her but intrudes into her personal space.As her hair flicking and hand movements become more violent, her legs weaken until she sits down on the asphalt and falls into silence. Her breathe is heavy and eyes are red.
What are they talking about?
Births, deaths, marriages? Cheating partners, expired car batteries, failed exams, work redundancies, spoiled fruit, washing that's colour run, rising interest rates, STDs, hang nails, petrol prices, body odor, terrorism or was she just having a bad day.
I didn't know but I couldn't look away.
I was entranced for a good five minutes, staring intensely at them when she suddenly look up in my direction.I lowered my head to the computer screen and made busy while they hurriedly left the carpark.
After work I walked around the car park to the spot where she sat, hoping to find some clues amongst the cigarette butts and leaf litter but there was nothing except the sunset reflecting off the mirrored windows of our office block.
Forget about her secret, mine was safe.
posted by Phil @ 1:26 AM
5 Comments:
I did a whole unit on Rene Magritte with my level 3s last year. He is one of my favourites. I guess like the painting itself what we want to see is hidden by what we actually do see (visible versus the hidden visible). Apple as temptation etc. That arguing couple is the perfect example of it and so...why notice them and not others?
I love people watching I'd do it all day if I could. I shall ruin your theory and state that like you I rarely wear sunglasses (not even while driving because I wouldn't be able to see the road) and actually I have a STRONG hatred for people who wear sunglasses constantly ESPECIALLY those that wear them as headbands day in and day out - rain, hail or shine. I know one girl who wears her sunglasses so often that she wore them to a mutual friend's wedding (as a headband) - not good.
You're so right. The Corey Hart's must die.
Like yours, my cubicle overlooks the parking lot instead of the park. I think I prefer it that way, specifically for the people watching.
And nice to know with the windows they can't see you pick your nose ;)
Welcome back.
Hi, I am new to your blog.
That entry was quite funny :-)
I, like Mez, people watch all the time without sunnies. I don't wear them since I have normal glasses that are a must.
So is your secret that you are a closeted people watcher? Just checking.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home