Never would I have thought this before, nor even have typed this on my computer.
I usually walk everyday to get my exercise. On this day I picked walking north up Park Avenue. I did this because there were less people to navigate around, and Park was virtually empty except for the occasional ambulance or delivery truck. After all, I was aware of keeping the six foot distance from others. Too, I chose this avenue because of its stillness.
While walking, I heard a noise that was music to my ears. Amtrak was traveling south as I was walking north. To hear the noise of the purring of the engine and the screeching whirls of the wheels on the track reminded me that yes, I was still in New York City. Having experienced virtually no cars on the streets, no airplanes roaring above, has made this city feel like I was in the desert because of the lack of usual noise. Yes, this is Manhattan in its stillness, but an unusual stillness never before seen or heard.
I cannot wait for all the usual noisy activity to begin. Sounds of people shouting, children playing ball in the parks, motorcycles revving up their engines, car horns honking impatiently, and people conversing in all their foreign languages and English are what make this beautiful city so vibrant.
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Written April 18, 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Patricia C. Bischof
Author of “Memoir of a 2g: Story of Secrecy and Resilience”
June 6, 2020 at 12:02 PM
Patricia,
Thank you!
I can relate.
Let the noise begin!
Russ
June 6, 2020 at 12:09 PM
V
June 6, 2020 at 12:12 PM
Thank you for your exquisite observations.
June 6, 2020 at 12:55 PM
A very well written article which describes in great detail her experience of walking in New York City. Her love and appreciation of the city is beautifully described.
June 6, 2020 at 3:30 PM
Patricia has captured the feelings in everyone’s mind and heart even if you’re not from the Big Apple. How eloquently all our hopes are expressed ❤️
June 6, 2020 at 4:31 PM
Patricia, That is special. I sometimes feel I don’t want the noise and the hubbub to return, but you remind me in a lovely way that it’s time to return from a strange interlude. Thank you for that.
June 6, 2020 at 6:19 PM
Beautifully done. It’s ironic though. One of the things I like least about New York (or anywhere…) Is noise. You made me miss it.
June 7, 2020 at 12:20 PM
Reading this, I felt like I was walking beside Patricia, enjoying the quiet stillness, yet wishing for the return of the cacophany that would signal the return to “normalcy.” This writing, to me, is a bittersweet ode to the constant change that is life.
June 7, 2020 at 4:14 PM
What a beautiful piece. Well written and leaves off with hope and thoughts about the future.
June 8, 2020 at 12:58 PM
Wonderful description of the new normal.
To appreciate silence in a vibrant city as New York is amazing
June 8, 2020 at 4:09 PM
Thank you so much! I welcome the Manhattan noise/hustle and bustle. We’ll be in full summer swing in no time 🙂 This city has my heart, and you captured its essence beautifully!
June 10, 2020 at 12:39 PM
Poignant observations…thank you for sharing!
June 13, 2020 at 3:13 PM
It’s great to gain perspective on current life in the Big Apple from across the country. Thank you, Patricia!