Flushing Meadows

Tonight we walked a couple miles through Flushing Meadows, site of the 1939 and 1964 World Fair. I remembered the sheep peacefully grazing when we walked past the zoo there in the beginning of the Pandemic, in that time when we weren’t supposed to ride the train or bus so we walked to the park. Tonight, we saw longhorn cattle and we heard the parakeets.

We came to the grove of cherry trees, the early blooming kind. It made a beautiful setting for taking pictures, and I snapped one in my mind to be held there for the cloudy, cool days we’re sure to have this spring.

We sat awhile beside the Unisphere. It’s the picture on this blog post. All the world gathers there, and while it was nothing like a summer Saturday, children played, the ice cream truck sang, a South American food truck offered chicken, tostones, and fries, dogs frisked, and an exercise group jived. The cherry trees by the Unisphere were just beginning to bloom.

We walked on past serious soccer games and past the Whispering Column of Jerash that stands quietly in the trees. Built by the Romans in 120 A.D., I like to imagine the disciples grandchildren leaning on it. (I know that’s far fetched, but this column is old, and hidden, and the Colombian soccer players don’t care a thing about it being there.)

The Night Market opens next month in Flushing Meadows, a foodie lover’s delight. We’ll return to eat reasonably priced ethnic street food with the multitudes who understand the diversity of a world that gathers under the Unisphere.

We did not sit by the lake tonight or stroll through the Meditation Garden like I do when I walk there alone. But as the setting sun glinted off the globe and shone on pink blossoms, we rejoiced in being outdoors.

The walk ended not where it began at 111th Street Station, but rather by the 7-train yards at Shea Stadium where the Mets play.

We did not take the tourists of last week to this park, but we may have been there with you. You’re welcome to join us there. Berniece