Voyeur

We live in a very diverse neighborhood. And for the most part, we all keep to ourselves. I think that's sad. I wish I could break out of my mold and introduce myself to my neighbors, but I'm not a very social person.

Next door, lives a large of family of mexican-americans. We nod as we pass on the street. Their dogs frolick in my front yard, under my crape myrtle tree. But we never really speak. I don't know their names, and they don't know mine.

Tonight, they are having a birthday party. I envy them in a way. At first, I was annoyed because they're so loud, but when I peek over my fence, they're playing hot-potato with a beachball. Adults and children laughing and playing. Just playing, a simple game.

Later, just now, I slipped outside on my deck and peeked through the shrubs, over the fence, and watched for awhile. The kids must be inside, asleep, and there is music...low and peppy. Dancing music. And outside, on the deck, a couple is dancing. So happy. While the other guests are sitting around them, beers in hand, watching.

You can learn so much from just observing. And what I've observed about my neighbors is that they love family.

They don't sit outside and complain about work or life...they dance on the deck.

I love that.

I want to dance on my deck.