Relative Something

Most people would agree that something that gets classified as noise, can understandably be identified as polluting. When it is merely the ‘sound’ of the device put to use, the majority of reasonable people would refrain from labeling it as pollution. I admit, I am not always a reasonable person.

This morning, with the October temperatures thus far still holding warmth that requires the windows of the house be open, the sounds of the day are starting slow and sweet. There is the constant trill/buzz of crickets, which sounds like it hasn’t changed one bit since the darkness of last evening. Do they ever pause? There is nothing audible that would in the least bit be considered pollution

The bluster of the last few day’s dramatic gusting wind has ended and the air is incredibly calm, which sets the stage for this priceless aural tranquility. In the distance, there is a brief call from a friendly-sounding dog. I do everything in my power to absorb this peacefulness in desperate hope it will be enough to carry me through the day. My nemesis looms, near at hand.

I suffer from an inability to overcome an anxiety over the sound of the dreaded scourge of suburban residences: the leaf blower. It is like fingernails on slate to my ears. I can’t move away to a horse farm in the country fast enough. I may be driven insane before I get the chance. Complicating the impact of the sound, for me, is the aspect of what people are choosing to do that makes that infernal pulsing drone. They are using gas or electricity to create their own wind to move the natural debris of the desirable trees on their property; move it off of their lawns, sidewalks, and driveways. I witnessed someone yesterday pushing the pile into the street! My city tries to inform its citizens that this is bad practice.

AAack! My time has run out. The pain has begun. It is 9:56 and the blowing has started already, two houses down. It is too bad the leaves don’t stay where these people blow them. They need to get out, time and again, to repeatedly blow off their property. INSANITY!