The Kissers

The kissers were there again this morning. They started showing up in the park about two weeks ago and are now there almost every day. Whenever I see them they’re sitting on a certain bench, kissing furiously. Not just smooches, but limbs wrapped around/1930's romantic movie/lip locks that go on and on. Lovers are a common thing to see in any park when there’s good weather, but this couple are there every day at six in the morning passionately embracing. Every day. I don’t know about you but I’m always embarrassed by people making out in public, so every time I see them gobbling each other down I look away. But the dog needs to make her park circles so as long I’m there, I glance up now and then and voila they’re kissing. It’s such an uncommon thing to see so early in the morning that of course I create daily scenarios why they are there then: both are married to other people, they met and fell in love at work, and this is the only time and place in the day where they can be together in an intimate way without arousing the suspicion of their spouses. Or they’re in those glorious early days of the relationship when all you want to do is eat your partner 24/7, it doesn’t matter when or where you are. Or… I still can’t tell if I’m happy or sad to see them. I think I will sort of miss them when time or familiarity with each other changes everything and they disappear from the park and then my memory.

Jonathan Carroll is the author of over 20 novels and short story collections. His latest novel “Bathing the Lion” is now available in trade paperback. If you liked this piece, there’s lots more on his monthly newsletter. You can subscribe here