Spring people

Spring transforms the Chicagoan.  At last, the weather encourages people to linger outside, luxuriating in puddles of sun or bright new shade.  In some spots surrounding the farmers’ market, winter-weary figures are strewn over the lawn, as if, under the sudden force of the sun, they have simply collapsed.

Families emerge into the park with their children and dogs.  Since we have last seen them, many have multiplied.  Their movements are curiously aimless.  The children toddle about or sit on the ground impassively.  Some pet the dogs.  The dogs smile at this, wagging their tails delightedly.  A man dressed as an African tribesman beats an ancient-sounding drum.

The shadow of a large tree is a magnificent novelty that the spring people choose to gather under.  Couples who’ve forgotten how to flirt suddenly remember how.  Another day in the life of the human family, except, this time, it’s spring.