Let's talk about umbrellas

Okay, Boston, let's talk about umbrellas for a moment. You know, they're the things you carry to keep you dry(ish) in the rain that we've been experiencing over the last few days.

Well let me tell you something, Boston. Those gigantic golf umbrellas that take up the entire sidewalk and have a large point at the top of them as if to beg lightning to strike them? They're far better used when held above your head to protect you than they are when held before you like a knight's lance.

Of course, that was the scene a couple of days ago as I walked to work. I emerged from South Station, popped open my own, one-person sized, umbrella, and started marching toward the office. Unfortunately, I found myself blocked by two rain knights of the round umbrella, galloping toward me with umbrellas forward. They blocked the entire sidewalk and could not even see what was in front of them. I was forced to retreat into the street, dodging cars and the puddles they splashed through. When they realized what they'd done, they offered me a mumbled, "Sorry," then dropped their umbrellas in front of them once more and plodded on.

People, don't block the sidewalks. It's a simple rule of being a pedestrian. Walk with the flow of traffic, and don't block the sidewalk. Perhaps they'd have been okay without those monstrosities that did nothing to keep them dry, but as it was they got in everyone's way and damn near skewered me.