You're Almost There

Walking up that steep grade, right where you need to take a break.

It’s a basic bench,
wooden, hand crafted,
not something manufactured
by an outdoor furniture company
and installed by the Department of Public Works
or Parks and Rec.

No, this is something simpler
and softer, more humble
with well-worn rounded edges
and flaking paint.

Texas Street sidewalk bench.

It’s homey,
designed by someone
who knows well 
what it feels like
getting halfway up
Texas Street
walking home 
up that steep grade,
right where you need
to take a break
and catch your breath,
that’s why 
that bench was made.

So, I took a seat
and took in the view,
down the hill
into downtown San Francisco.

Bright blue sky,
crisp air and sunshine, 
skyline of high-rises,
old and new.

Crystal clear view into downtown San Francisco.

It’s quiet 
up here
above the bay
but for the persistent
hum of the freeway
in the distance
on the other side 
of Petrero Hill.

I wonder who 
made this bench,
and when?

There’s no signature,
no date, 
no notation,
no plaque 
honoring a loved one,
a friend, 
a hero.

I like that!

It’s enough 
just knowing
someone, one day,
cared so much
to think of it,
then make it,
and place it,
right here, 
for all of us!