Serenity Above the Fray: Late Summer Grasses at Union Center

Union Center Introduction

Summer’s near its end at Union Center.  The riotous colors of spring with their attendant hustle-bustle are a dim memory.  Still, this neighborhood is hardly less vibrant.  Its intensity, its residents’ joy in life shows itself differently, unexpectedly.  Take a walk with me and meet our grasses, who somehow know how to bend in the fiercest breeze, the intensest of onslaughts, yet float right back up, tall and cool.

Community Minded

All grass is group grass.  Tight knit grass communities are famous for standing firm together, come what may, a unified front to face the world.  This group, however, takes community to a new level.  You find them in crowds, always bunches of them together, swaying, bending, beautifully bobbing their fuzzy seed heads from side to side.  Why we love these folks so much is that they bring good cheer, a hearty bonhomie to whatever they do.  We’re always glad when they’re around. 

The flair factor

Don’t say groups can’t flaunt a daring, cutting-edge fashion sense.  They can and these grasses do.  For most people, we’re lucky to step out the door each day even moderately put together.  This savvy gang manages it, revels in it everyday.  They can’t help but set out, standing in our midst looking oh so marvelous.  Sure, they’re a little aloof but who cares?  Being with them is like walking in Rome: inspiring beauty all around.

Chaos in context

I know, I know, I said our summer grasses are serene.  They are, with this notable exception.  The raucous Ponytail Pandemonium shakes and shimmies and slides to a beat all its own.  Their frayed heads, our frayed nerves, at times, feed each other to distraction until we take a break or, as happens more often, get in their groove.  The Ponytails remind the sometimes staid Union Centerites (and guests) to abandon the buttoned-down propriety and live a little.  They drive us crazy at times but we wouldn’t want to be without them.

Hoary wise

But for the trees, there are no neighbors in Union Center, in any season bar none, who stand taller than these noble grasses.  Their stature matches our respect for them.  We literally and figuratively look up to these calm and patient dispensers of wisdom.  Don’t ask how they know what they know: somehow they just do.  These grandmas and grandpas of the neighborhood take the long view, rise above noise and confusion, put this sometimes wacky world in perspective.  We don’t know what we’d do without them.

The minimalist faction

I like lush but that’s just me.  Some (we’ve nick-named them The Euros…I’m not sure why…) like their environs, their life, spare and sparse.  Simplicity is their byword.  Cutting out complexity is their North Star.  But don’t be fooled.  Simple doesn’t have to be boring or unattractive.  These folks carry themselves with a basic elegance that adds a special something to the neighborhood.

Monkeyin' around

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, now.  The denizens and guests of Union Center can get pretty serious pretty fast.  Philosophical discussions and debates on just about anything, even religion and politics, can go from 0 to 60 in about 8 seconds.  That’s why the Monkey Grass Gang is great to have around.  Short in stature but long in humor, these jokesters pull pranks at all the right (and some of the wrong, but really who cares?) moments.  When tempers begin to flair or someone pontificates a little lengthily, count on these fun and funny monkeys to strategically pull some stunt, let rip a wisecrack or worse, make a pun.  Their antics make us laugh and remind us not to take ourselves so seriously.

Guard Grass

I almost didn’t include these guys.  So first, bottom line, the neighbors like them.  They really do, even though this family, the Guard Grass, are the self-appointed minders of the neighborhood.  Focused almost obsessively on security, they make sure everyone is safe and sound.  Many in Union Center get a little tired of their single-minded quest.  Most here don’t mind and in fact welcome a little danger.  Still, for the 49 times their “helpful” reminders irritate, the 50th time might save a life.  For their commitment, their own brand of community-mindedness, we’re grateful.

Thanks for dropping by.  Always glad to take you on a stroll of the neighborhood I’ve grown to love so much.  Don’t be a stranger.  Come back soon.

More Summer Grass Photos

Union Center Series

About literarylee

I sling words for a living. Always have, always will. Some have been interesting and fun; most not. These days, I write the fun words early in the morning before the adults are up and make me eat my Cream of Wheat.
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