say hello to strangers.

why don't people say hi?

or is it just my neighborhood? this morning, haley and i walked by no less than four people, none of whom said "hello." not even a gentle smile and a nod. not even a tip 'o the head, which would have done just fine.

it's not like i'm asking for a donation. just a little civility. a tiny devoir to get the morning going in the right direction.

is it because we were taught to ignore strangers? afraid that at any slight inclination of showing some kind of humanity that we might appear an easy target for some kind of violence or other atrocity? are we that afraid of each other?

but what about a sense of community? even a sense of decency? heck, folks even say a kindly "how-do" in deadwood (well, that is before they kill each other, but nevertheless, it's a greeting.). apparently, the animals have mastered the art of the greeting better than my neighbors.

and of course, this is not to say that i'm looking for one of those in-your-face-isn't-it-a-fantastic-morning!!! type of hello. just a little somepin' somepin' to let me know that we are not in fact, total strangers. we live in the same neighborhood. we walk the same roads. we share power lines and cables and grocery stores and post offices and hair salons and manicure shops and parks and beaches and schools and police and firefighters and libraries and bike paths and coffee shops and clothing stores and restaurants.

we are not strangers. so please. just say hello.