The tobacconist is essential if you need smokes or supplies. The fact that the bike shop is essential should be no surprise. Petco will deliver essential sweaters for beloved pets. The essential park may be open, but please stay off the swing sets. Barbershops are most essential, but a haircut one cannot get, so now it’s essential to buy an electric clipper set.
As a nation we do well, as shown by the life we lead, and during this quarantine, there’s time to reassess true need. I am thankful for the true essentials, like water, shelter, and food, and a turntable to spin vinyl, which helps put me in a better mood.
Americans take a pretty liberal view on what’s considered essential, and my definition certainly shouldn’t be considered quintessential. I view news reporters as essential babbling drones performing “essential” interviews with six-foot microphones.
A very essential way to help keep kindred spirits alive, is with virtual happy hours beginning precisely at five. What else is essential? I prefer to take an even broader view: I think poetic relief is essential now, and hope that you do too!
