Humanity

I have a friend whose web cam is usually on, which means I can drop in on his life at any given moment. One would think this might become boring after a while, but I find it endlessly fascinating.

And that makes me wonder why? What is it about other people's lives that draws each of us? Why are those reality shows on television, 99.9% of which I personally do not care for, so popular?

For me, I think it is a peek into the life of a person whose personality lies parallel to my own. One time I am affirmed by the fact that he sits in front of his computer working away in solitary bliss. Another time finds me content in the confirmation that other people also drink coffee, slouch, prop their feet up and attend to business with their personal muses. Still other times find me simply lonely for the sight of someone working in a pool of light, or in their absence, knowing that the sun also sets in warm pools of late afternoon warmth all over the world.

In spite of being surrounded by people, I find inexpressible comfort in these moments. They become a sort of grown-up pacifier, or teddy bear, something to cling to that really provides nothing but a hook to my own thoughts. Perhaps they are the muse that links me, not with my creativity, but with my humanity.