HIDING WITHIN FOUR WALLS

Happier times may not return for quite some time. I reminisce the cheerfulness of a passerby who waved and said hello to that smiling boy staring from an open window open to the April warm sun, he did not hold a basketball in his small hands. He didn't miss his friends at the basketball field, but today nobody showed up. His mom kept him at home within four walls. Remoteness builts up anger, frustration, and loneliness.

Many of us have hidden within four walls, not knowing how to escape and find freedom again in the crisp air of spring, that spring of nostalgic memories. Some dared to escape but paid the highest prize of isolation getting sick and not being able to do the things they loved.

As the pandemic rages on, new concerns arise: gun violence and assault become common occurrences. Walmart and Rite Aid stores were forced to close their doors. Thefts were higher than their profits and neighbors suffered. Many were injured, others were shot and killed.

This was another reason to stay home and be prisoners of our fear while those punks roamed the city streets freely doing what they pleased. It wasn't only civilians to be shot, also police officers doing their duty and protecting the livelihood of citizens going their daily business. Such hatred and madness have never been seen in a city that was known for its upbeat and swift pacing of residents rushing to subways stations, hopping on busses to reach their destination. Walking fast is a stereotype of New Yorkers, rather than a compliment; it's noted by outsiders and tourists who visit the Crossroads of the World. No city in the world can match the rhythm and pace that make New York City a resilient and unique city.

If being punished with the pandemic and its variants wasn't bad enough, New Yorkers have to deal with gun violence and be afraid to walk the streets even with the heavy presence of the police. Everybody is suspicious, restlessness has its pulsing beat of terror, nobody knows who is going to be the next victim. They pray, they rely on luck, not in the massive presence of policemen and policewomen who are also targeted by the criminals. If we thought that the Wild West was fiction, we are witnessing something more gruesome, and terribly frightening. I saw an elderly woman with a cane afraid to cross the pedestrians' white lines afraid of being knocked down by a hoodlum, she hesitated looking twice on both sides, and holding her breath she proceeded cautiously and seeing that she was scared, and ran to help across Fifth Avenue. She felt safe and thanked me with a God-bless-you. I felt emotion rushing through my body, I smiled and walked away.

If there were more Good Samaritans to help and look out for the elderly, we can narrow the gap between old and young showing concern and kindness which are becoming rarer in a world of greed and violence. I didn't it to get noticed, that would be totally selfish. I do good deeds coming from the goodness of my spirit, not putting down any religion or belief. I'm convinced it's how we were raised by our parents that allows us to do good and respect every human being with dignity.

Even today having gained some freedom from the vaccines shots, going to restaurants, sports events, and other social activities I always make the mask a priority as long as this lingering pandemic lasts. I have been confined within four walls most days, only seeing the brilliant sun come up and go down, missing out on many things I used to do: taking long walks, contemplating sunsets, and reflecting on the beauty of Nature somewhat gone unobserved by others concentrating on social issues that plague our society changed by the cruel and bizarre behavior of criminals who don't honor and respect for the sanctity of life. I doubt that there will be a return to normality, so doubted even by Dr. Fauci and others. In the meantime, let's get used to this isolation within four walls...until a miracle will happen and save Humanity from pain and extinction. Subconsciousness can be exultant when it prevents the mind from having a crazed state of depression. Epidemics come and go, even this one will approach its end.