As I walk on by…

Have you ever just sat and watch people walk by? But instead of watching them go about their business, chatting, etc, have you ever watched them walk? Walking is such an unusual looking action. Its almost awkward. Like when you say a word too many times and it just sounds and looks funny, walking is much the same. Really walking is just a perpetual state of falling. We lean forward, put one foot out to stay upright, lather, rinse, and repeat.

And no two strides are exactly the same. Some people’s gaits have a story behind them, fought in a war, battled an illness. Others betray emotions, the fast staccato of a woman’s heels who is stressed or the slow shuffling of a man who feels belittled. Or even the uneven beat of someone who is excited.

Obviously I had a chance to observe this in action today while waiting for someone. It was truly amazing. That and the variety of shoes.