In this story by Luigi Pirandello, a “not old and yet no longer young” man is full of emptiness and despair following the death of his wife. In accordance with Italian tradition, his married son becomes “man of the house” and consigns him to a remodeled servant’s room in the courtyard. Alienated, he spends his days watching children play in a nearby park. A misunderstanding by a young girl when he bends to take off his shoes so he can feel the grass under his feet sends him home in misery. Themes include loss, grief, despair, aging, alienation/isolation, loneliness, relativism.
The story alludes to the supposed wellness benefits of what is called “grounding”, the practice of connecting your body to the earth. Questions to consider: When did you last walk barefoot on grass? and… How many children in big cities have NEVER walked barefoot on grass?
The Soft Touch of Grass Text / PDF (1,900 words)