Thru the Windshield…as others see us passing by.

 

by Marjorie Klise

Ours is a neighborhood of walkers.  We have those who need the exercise. We have dog owners out for their regular routine. The students and faculty enjoy the chance to wander away from campus into the local neighborhood. And some folks just have to get from one place to another and choose to walk by our homes.

It took several years to convince people that the quarter of a dollar it costs to leave your porch light on each night was worth it but we now know that we all feel safer at night when we are out and about. The area is much brighter. The walkers can avoid fallen branches and uneven pavement. Our houses look better. It says “Welcome” in a quiet way.

And now for the final touch…that glimpse inside our houses!  Of course no one wants excess exposure. We all value our privacy. That is totally understood by all. But what about just a peek? Raise a shade. Open a curtain. Pull back a drape.

We all love Tom Kallister’s grandfather clock looking out at us. Bonnie White’s elegant urn of flowers thrilled us all. The platters over the fireplace.The Christmas tree all lit and aglow. That library light reflecting on the bookcase. Such warmth and charm.

When all the windows are dark it is like trying to communicate with someone who will not open their eyes to us. The barrier is off-putting. Can we find that one window or foyer door or side porch where we can raise that shade or adjust that drape and say, once more,

“Welcome walkers.  You are among friends!”