Day 20 – Total confirmed cases in US: 278,458
It seems like a dream already: crowds of people barbequing at Orchard Beach or tossing Frisbees in Sheep’s Meadow. I miss the background rumble of human voices, gruff and sweet. I miss watching young people pushing the limits of their bodies with all the energy peculiar to that stage of life, and seeing old people sharing a bemused smile at the memory of their youthful silliness and the weight of the knowledge they have since accumulated. Or have not.
I miss strangers. Their proximity and anonymity; their laughter at jokes I don’t get; their bopping to beats I can’t hear; and, of course, their kindness, on which I have always depended.
Since I moved to New York City all those years ago, I have never gone this long without riding on a train, eating in a restaurant, or drinking at a bar. What I wouldn’t give to make eye contact, and maybe even share a smile, with some stranger today.
Where are you going, I don’t mind
I’ve killed my world and I’ve killed my time
So where do I go? What will I see?
I see many people coming after me
So where are you going to, I don’t mind
If I live too long I’m afraid I’ll die
So I will follow you wherever you go
If your offered hand is still open to me
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
So you’ve been where I’ve just come
From the land that brings losers on
So we will share this road we walk
And mind our mouths and beware our talk
‘Til peace we find, tell you what I’ll do
All the things I own I will share with you
And, if I feel tomorrow like I feel today
We’ll take what we want and give the rest away
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
Holy man and holy priest
This love of life makes me weak at my knees
And when we get there, make your play
‘Cause soon I fear you’re gonna carry us away
And a promised lie you made us believe
For many men there is so much grief
And my mind is proud but it aches with rage
And, if I live too long I’m afraid I’ll die
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
Words & Music by Mike Power 