WANDERLENS: The empty benches

Bench possibilities. A pause for rest offering relief to tired glams. Laughing friends sharing chats. Reflective soul sitting in contemplation.

It is said that a tree trunk even if turned into something else so long as it is not burned will keep its stock of carbon dioxide.

These benches lined a sidewalk and the rustic appeal of their look was interesting enough. The wood slabs have seen better days and have survived the assault of what could have been termites. They could have easily been discarded somewhere or chopped into firewood. Yet converted into benches they exude a melancholic appeal, worn out but inviting weary feet to pause for rest.

These were found along a sidewalk in Intramuros in Manila. Intramuros is the covered city that goes back to Spanish times and have stood the test of centuries.

It is always a relief to pause after kilometers of trek and an empty bench offers much hope. A rest stop in an urban jungle.

Not polished, not smooth, not straight but put together, it gently beckons for rest and to pause.