Notes from the Pandemic: Chapter One: These Days: These Days

Seventeen

The Light in LA. April 2, 2020

Here, in the midst of these crazy corona days, there is magic. Socially distanced magic, but magic nonetheless. Here, in one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles, on the mountain where I have lived for 16 years now. Touch isn’t possible, I know. I think about a hug that a friend taught me in the last day or so before touch became impossible, before we really knew what was coming. It was a heart-to-heart hug, left side of body to left side of body, held for six seconds so that our heart beats would sync. We’ll hug like that again.

But for now, there is light. Some of the most beautiful light I’ve ever seen in this city, for days now. We’ve started walking most days around 6 pm, just when the light is bending into perfect. We are a small group of neighbors, close friends. Lisa brought cups and a drink today and we toasted each other and the sunset.

This is what I will remember when I look back on these days. This light. This evening. These friends.