Ode to the Bench
Summer or winter, rain, snow or ice,
Resilient and strong, always there to entice.
Solitary often, but friendly when pressed,
Gently cradling a family seeking some rest.
A servant to all who require her needs,
Discriminate not, the wise bench pleads.
The stoic personality does not alter,
Alone or accompanied, she never falters.
A perpetual offer of peaceful contemplation,
An island of quiet, mental relaxation.
Purveyor of dreams, observer of life,
Scattered throughout the globe, without any strife.
Even though forgotten and rarely praised,
The bench seems to be completely unfazed.
High praise she needs not, since she will always remain,
Having achieved her rightful stature in our public domain.
Brian Gaynor Photography 
Ah, the ever-present and faithful friend, the bench. 🙂 Nice!
Thanks, Melody!
One could wonder about all the people who have sat there!
So true — thanks, Jude!
Lucky bench, Brian, and a great image in B/W!
Quite unlike the FIVE benches in Loyola Park (along Sheridan Road), which were totally destroyed by snow plows in 2011! They were the same, sturdy type, with concrete pedestals, yet the plowmen took them out as if they were warm butter! They have yet to be replaced!
Thank you, Another Thousand! I do hope that those benches on Sheridan will be replaced.
Hoping so also, Brian…kind of depends on Chicago Park Service…and the alderman, I guess?
Reblogged this on Infernal Deity of a Psychotic Mind and commented:
How often do we feel like this bench? Waiting to be rediscovered and surrounded by people as weeks and months fly by. It is quite a desolate feeling looking at it all alone, almost abandoned, yet there is a sense of home that as the weather warms up, this bench will not be alone for long. Great shot Brian.
How often do we feel like this bench? Waiting to be rediscovered and surrounded by people as weeks and months fly by. It is quite a desolate feeling looking at it all alone, almost abandoned, yet there is a sense of home that as the weather warms up, this bench will not be alone for long. Great shot Brian.
Absolutely exquisite, loved this!!
Autumn Jade