Nap Time (Sigh)

Lunchtime is nap time here. There's an indoor and an outdoor eating area and, since autumn still hasn't hit the chill factor too harshly yet, most people nosh in the fresh air.

What you will see if you arrive at our doorstep around mid-lunchtime is at least one person at every other table resting his or her head on the table, sleeping. Sleeping with that uncomfortable, nervous tension of the exhausted: shoulders curved, head balanced on crossed arms, knees bending into one another on legs that really can't relax in an upright position. We're not horses, after all.

On the side of the building is a small green area: several trees umbrella over thick, sodded grass. A perfect picnic area - or "natural" bed.

So, coming here a few years ago, Rod went out and ate his lunch on the grass one afternoon. It looked so pleasant, several people remarked. No one joined him out there, though.

A week or so later, Rod brought a picnic blanket, laid it out on the grass, stretched out on it, and took a nap during lunchtime. It looked so comfortable, more people observed. No one joined him out there, however.

Now, three years later, whenever the weather is decent Rod eats his lunch on the grass and takes a nap on his picnic blanket. He has a pillow now, too. No one has ever joined him. No one has ever brought their own blanket or pillow and taken a nap under the cool shade trees. A few people raise their heads from their folded arms, eyes sleepy with exhaustion, and look across the way at Rod's dozing figure - then they go back to their own naps, dreaming of the cups of coffee that will see them through the afternoon.

In three years, no one else has taken a nap on the grass.