The Park

Photography By Kate Laister-Smith

The park looks nothing like this today. Well, that’s a lie. The orange tape is still there, if a little lackluster now. What is completely different about my local park is the feeling it holds. These photos feel empty, save for one couple in the background. Walking around felt eerie, quiet, and very safe. Now the park feels full, bustling with life. 

Normally, that’s what you’d want in a park. But right now this means I can no longer go for an afternoon walk and feel safe.

I couldn’t take these photographs today because the paths are full of people and the fields are full too. I wouldn’t be able to stop for so much as a second before someone came barreling into me. You have to be on high alert.

I take my walks in the evening now.