A Workout for My Mind On The Treadmill

When we stop to look, what can we see?

As I walk briskly on the treadmill at our local open-air gym, I have a lovely view of the road and the closely-grouped houses beyond. They go about their morning routine — the walkers, the errand-runners, the parents who anxiously wait for their children’s school buses . . .

And my mind wanders, making up its own stories as I see:

An old man

He is inspecting his face in a small handheld mirror.
He has a lot of grey hair.
What is he trying to look at?
Perhaps a wart on his forehead?
Has something gone into his eye?
Is he just wondering how the time has gone?
Does he feel it has gone too soon?

A man with a backpack

He’s walking.
Is he off to work?
Why does he look so downcast?
Is he unwell?
Did he go to the doc?
Did he not wake up happy?
Did someone yell at him?
Did he wake up late?
Did he have to skip breakfast?
Is he worried about a relationship?
Is he married?
Does he have kids?
How old are they?
What does his wife do?
Is he carrying lunch?
Will he eat at a restaurant?
Does he walk to work?
Is his workplace far away?
What does he do?
Is he carrying an umbrella?

A squirrel

It is running across the wall to the tree, up the branch and back.
It pauses.
What is it eating?
Does it live nearby?
Does it have friends?
How old is it?
What does it do when it rains?

An elderly woman

She’s at the balcony, looking this way and that.
Is she waiting for someone?
The milkman, the newspaper, the vegetable vendor?
The flower lady with the little garland packed in a leaf which she leaves on the wall near the gate?
Is she waiting for someone to arrive from out of town?
Is she wondering if the train is late?
Has she had coffee?
Does she live alone?
Who else lives with her?
What does she do all day?

A youngish plump woman

She’s walking briskly.
Pulling at her top which is rather tight.
Adjusting her hair.
Carrying a small bag.
Is she off to the market?
What does she plan to buy?
Does she have siblings?
Does she go to college?
What subjects might she choose?

A young man

He’s running his hand through his bedhead stepping out onto his balcony dressed in a vest and shorts.
Yawns lazily.
One hand moves to his crotch to scratch.
Then he stretches.
Places his hands on the railing and leans forward to look below.
Ah, the tea shop.
Calls out to someone.
Has words.
Laughs.
Waves.
Goes back in, presumably to get started with his day.
Or maybe back to bed?
What does his day look like?
Where does he work?
Does he drive a motorcycle?
Does he dress casually or conservatively?
Does he shave every day?
Will he meet up with friends in the evening?
Does he drink?
Smoke?
Does he stay out late?