What do we say to a friend masked, barricaded behind plexiglass, operating a used book store

A 35 year friend at that

In my head exists all the San Francisco’s I have known since 4th grade staying in the St. Francis Hotel with my mother on a tour. Then there is my San Francisco within this head space also pieced together but since 1987 and not 1967. My wife not walking with me I go far into town on my feet examining places I rarely go and today after my job interview to sell E-Bike management service I walk from Civic Center to Japantown desiring to visit an old friend’s bookstore. I worked for Greg when his store was on 16th street and Valencia 23 years ago and had been a customer and friend for 15 years then. He is a Zen teacher and runs a general interest used bookstore with an emphasis on Eastern Religion and Zen. Amusingly I have never sat Zen. I have though tried Tai Chi. I think the last time I saw Greg was a festival in Japantown two years ago but Judith was in a rush so I said hello for only a few minutes. Today I went with the express purpose of making an appointment to have tea next week and catch up.

Remarkably he was present and training an employee.

However, I was quite dismayed, shocked, stunned that he wore a tight mask, had plexiglass up, and a sign saying masks required in July of 2023. In Sacramento a few weeks ago this happened as well. I go to a used bookstore and masks are required and worn. And yes in this store also plexiglass protecting taking money. This is uncommon in San Francisco sort of - many retail establishments are mask optional. One see’s perhaps 10-20% of the population masking. Even drivers are masked and I won’t bother to discuss the obvious craziness of this in a world upside down. I made my appointment for tea, in the AM, and I call him to set it up next week.

On the other hand I may be employed by next week. And if so it can’t be in the AM that we meet. That bridge I cross after the second interview.

Still what do I say to my masked friend who doubtlessly is fully vaccinated?

Do I say Greg I would like to share some important Covid information about masks and plexiglass? Do I say you are making yourself sick? What do I say to a man who believes in science and medicine and who does not trust the government but masks and vaccinates? What do I say to wake him? I am no Roshi. I have no stick. A bookstore is not a monastery nor a Zen Center. Am I to look him in the eye and say “Without speaking, without silence, how can I express the truth?” OR “Is there a teaching no master ever preached before?”

Greg’s eyebrows will arch. “Yes, there is. It is not mind, it is not Buddha, it is not things. It is a jockomo lives inside your head.”

https://ko-fi.com/thejournaloflingeringsanity