One of my favourite parks in Gent is just a ten-minute walk away.  It’s mostly a playground.  There’s a bench there perfect for sitting and thinking.  I showed you a picture of it a couple of weeks ago … can’t remember what I said.

I strolled over a few days ago and placed my rear end on its accustomed spot.  And here’s what I saw:

I hope you can enlarge the photo.

As for the presence of lifeforms, there are three folks walking near the left edge and a lone cyclist just to the right of centre.  Ohh … and one pigeon.  That’s it.

I sat with sadness about there being so few flesh-and-blood beings present, even though it was a perfectly good moment in a perfectly good park.

I communed with the trees.

***

And then there was yesterday afternoon.

There was brightness beyond the sunshine.  On the left, a boy is flying high on the circular swing.  To the right of the tree, two women reflect on the events of the day.  Behind the climber, a few folks walk beside the street.  Then a family is enjoying a picnic at the table. 

Some tables remain from the neighbourhood sidewalk sale.  A boy considers whether to join a bunch of kids having fun inside the inflated castle.  You can see some of them upstairs, no doubt ready to slide down to the first floor, where huge punching bags provide a good workout for young arms.  (Not in view.  Take my word for it)

The castle sits in a playing field ideal for football and basketball.  Usually it’s humming with kids and teens.

***

And there you have it.  Both versions of Speeltuin Godshuishammeke have their appeal.

But I love the infinite variety of human beings!