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May 04, 2006
Damn kids
I decided to take the elevated train down to school today, and I got to the platform right as the train was closing its doors. I ran to get on the train, but as I did, the woman in front of me who was also trying to get on the train abrubtly stopped and said, "screw this!" I'm never one to give up, so I got on the train anyhow - it was packed with a group of elementary age kids and their befuddled teachers.
My first thought was, oh great, they're going to be loud and obnoxious, and I am going to hate every minute of this train ride. As the train rumbled along, the kids squealed everytime the train hit a bump, or they oooohed when a train would pass going the other direction and sparks would fly off the wheels. Then as we got closer to downtown, my Brown Line train caught up to the Red Line train on the track next to it, and we moved along beside each other until the Red Line disappeared as it went underground. The kids oohed at that, and then they oohed when they saw the Sears Tower in the distance.
Sure, I could see how this group of kids could be annoying. But then, I realized that they're only saying exactly what I feel: sheer amazement at being on board the el, grinding along towards The Loop. There rarely is a day that goes by where I am not fascinated by something I see when riding the train. Even though I am on it every day, there is always something to look at or be startled by. It truly is special sometimes to be in a place like this, and all I need is a reminder of that.
Posted by oz115 at May 4, 2006 06:12 PM