Chairs

Note: This was my writing inspired by the Isolation Journals Prompt #97

Your prompt for today: Picture the chairs that you sit in on a regular basis—at home, in public, comfortable or uncomfortable. Now pick one of those chairs, and write an ode to it, considering the physical and emotional sensations it evokes. Does the lumbar support ease strain on your lower back? Does the chair remind you of a beloved grandparent? Does it have a great view? Try to make visible the dynamics of sitting you’ve gotten so used to that they’re currently invisible.

Two bar stolls stand tall in my home at the raised counter between the dining room and kitchen. Each made only of metal, bent into a seat, a back, and bar across the legs, providing a foot rest. Its simple form provides a funtional design and matches the modern house they grace. It became a weekend habit of mine to sit in one while completing school work. As I sat, I easily glance up and across the kitchen to the large window above the sink and notice the neighbors walking their dogs down the street. Most often, my laptop is opened and I quickly read emails and type replies. My feet, unable to touch the floor, rest on the stool’s bar across the bottom. I hop down, grab a snack from the pantry and get right back to my work. Sitting with my back firmly supported and resting a bit higher off the ground, my barstool offers a winning combination for focused, weekend homework.

Currently, I sit in a different chair in my home to do my work. This chair is made of wood with an upholstered seat and is part of a 5-piece dining set. Its matching table and sister-chairs proudly stood in my dining room for 22 years. I sat in this chair at this table, happily eating all my family meals. But then we rebuilt our home and this dining set was demoated and stored in the guest bedroom. Now it proudly accepts a new job title – teacher desk. Since March 16th, I daily sat at this table in this chair and made videos to greet my students and answered emails asking questions about how to complete work from home. My feet rest firmly on the ground. My eyes focus on my laptop. I easily grab from a basket of colored markers and post-it notes to jot down my To Do list. When I glance up, a calendar hangs on the wall in front of me, reminding me of the date. Throughout the day, I rise from my chair and stroll downstairs to grab a snack.

My chairs. One metal and high and new. One wood and low and old.
I sit and work while at home.