Sounds of Purpose

by Pat Antonopoulos

English Landing Park has a three mile walking path, river on one side and BNSF tracks on the other. Wonderful old trees shade the river side and full sun tans the skin on the track side. Leashed dogs, bikes, joggers and walkers cover the distance every day. Toddlers on trikes and babes in strollers take time from the playground so parents can make the miles.

For some, the path is a meditation place--a time to let thoughts drift and sort the stumbles in life. Serious runners sprint towards that new personal-best, constantly checking time and distance. Older folks and the weight conscious people often struggle, determined and focused. Young athletes bounce between serious running and sky-larking with the exuberance that is special to the teen years.

Heavy sand dredges powered by tugs often cover the river's rush as it laps the banks. Regular BNSF runs, empties heading west and full load coal trains moving east, are as dependable as the chimes of the Park University campus.

Couples and running buddies use the park time as catch-up time, sharing stories and making plans. Cell phones are a constant, broadcasting brief snatches of private conversations. Exercise and business are joined as a way to bundle minutes. Music and news via ear buds insure the listener's connection to media sound.

Not Waldon Pond, but Missouri River, 2009---with sounds of purpose.