Saturday, August 15, 2009

Resurfacing

My work commute was temporarily changed so that I rode the Metro to Crystal City for a few mornings this week. While it is no fun changing trains at L'Enfant Plaza, which must be built close to one of the sweltering outer circles of hell, I got to make the trek with my wife, whose regular workstation is Crystal City. The morning commute is easier with a hand to hold.

The other nice thing about the trip is that, as any DC resident knows, the Yellow Line train goes over the Potomac instead under it (as the Blue and the Orange line do between Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom). We, the morning passengers, rise out of our darkened journey to be reminded of the world - a flowing river, greenery, DC's beautiful skyline and Arlington's less beautiful. We resurface from our newspapers, blackberries and blank stares to see sunlight, touching beauty, making it softer and more beautiful. It is a small but meaningful pleasure, before 8 AM, on our way into white walls, florescent lights, air conditioning and computer screens.