slew of words

axiomatic – adjective – taken for granted

So many intangible things on a daily basis go unnoticed, unappreciated – hardly ever realizing its existence in the first place until it is no longer there. And recently, a lot of those things have been on my mind with all of the newfound time on my hands to think, wish, want. Especially the ever-growing list of things I cannot even fathom we used to do prior to a worldwide pandemic.

Things like paying money to put on a pair of shoes worn by thousands of strangers before us and sticking three fingers into small pits of unknown germs while simultaneously drinking beer, eating food, and being overly competitive with friends. Nudging each other on the shoulder, blasting our palms with stale air, and reaching into a basket of fries within the same span of seconds.

Like reaching out to pat the head of an eager-looking dog with a wagging tail or letting a cute baby on the subway grab for your finger. Being invited to touch the material of someone’s soft sweater when you compliment it in public.

Like getting a little rush of excitement over free samples of cube-shaped versions of food at the grocery store. Trying before buying. Getting to walk into the automatic sliding doors in the first place without having to wait in line first.

Like tapping someone on the shoulder to snap them out of their daydream world and let them know the person accross the street is waving for their attention. Accepting a pat on the hand from an old lady you helped with directions to get where they need to go.

Like sharing a slice of cake after someone you’re celebrating blew their breath all over. Getting to gather all of your loved ones into the same room to sing an out-of-tune happy birthday at high volume. Shoulder to shoulder room in a small apartment.

Like nodding your head and forcing your lips into a tight smile every time you pass a stranger on the sidewalk. Walking close enough to see the color of their eyes and their facial features and the expressive intent behind their polite acknowledgement.

Like dancing in standing-only room with your group of girlfriends and pulling them away from unwanted intruders. Acting like secret lovers when that intruder still doesn’t leave you alone. Getting a mixture of alcohol and sweat splashed on you all night but not giving a care in the world.

Like ordering a fancy drink from a coffee shop and passing it over to your friend, insisting they take a sip. Simply being able to have a cup of coffee with a friend while listening to the indsutrial coffee bean grinder and milk steamer in the background.

Like pulling away from hugs to keep them from lasting too long. Or opting for a handshake over an embrace. Feeling uncomfortable when someone you know seems to squeeze a little too tight. Wiping off a wet kiss on the cheek.

Like sharing body heat with friends outside, maybe sitting around a campfire or looking at the stars or just drinking a few beers. Playing front porch card games and engaging in small talk to passerbys.

Like being able to spontaneously stop by someone’s apartment. To cheer them up, to catch up on their daily happenings, to share a meal, to sit in silence and just enjoy each other’s company.

Like curling your fingers into the embrace of someone else’s as you do the most mundane of tasks – running errands, sitting at a restaurant table, wandering through the aisles of a department store.

Like being so close to someone that you feel engulfed in their calming, familiar smell.

Like taking the comfort, the intensity, the connection, and the necessity, out of human touch.