Esther Barnes
Theme
January 9, 1933
A most interesting way to spend one’s leisure time is in observing others. The only requisites are a busy street corner and some spare time. I especially like the corner of South Street and the Square. Several times I have been so engrossed in watching passer-bys that I completely forgot what I was waiting for and missed the bus.
This may seem quite absurd to some, but I think it is educational as well as entertaining. The only way to understand people is to observe them. Sometimes it is rather amusing.
Here comes a tall, well-dressed, smart-looking woman. One can easily see that she is well-educated and quite cultured. The woman just back of her has had an unpleasant life. There is a look of sadness and of gloom about her. She evidently has had little of the pleasures of life. That heavy-set man looks like an habitual drinker. He has pouches under his eyes, his cheeks are flushed and there are deep lines around his mouth. Perhaps he just didn’t sleep well last night—maybe he has been working hard. There is a girl, the one dressed in a fur coat, that I just know I wouldn’t like. She has such an insolent, holier-than-thou look on her face. The next young man is one of these things commonly called drug-store cowboys. He has such a swaggering air about him, a cigarette in his mouth, his coat collar turned up, and his sleek, wavy hair just perfect. Oh my, but that certainly must be a grouchy man. How I’d hate to be his wife. He looks so cross. I bet he is terrible if his usual morning egg is cooked too hard. Wonder what makes him so disagreeable? Oh, but what I lovely woman I see now. One is attracted by her face. She has such a kind, motherly look. Can’t you see her tucking her children in bed, kissing them good-night?
One can see representatives from all walks of life on most any street corner. Try it yourself sometime. It just takes careful observation to pick out the various types. One may be mistaken in his identification, but he can usually tell what kind of a life the person lives.
Teacher’s comment:Ex