Generational Bowling

The bowling alley was the place to be this week. I happened to go on in on a Thursday evening and I was expecting it to be black light night, with a live DJ for the music scene. But I happened to go in the bowling alley somewhat early so there were quite a few senior citizens bowling, which was quite interesting because they all wore their official bowling shirts and expensive designer bowling balls. They were quite intricate and artistic.

My bowling experience had always been for fun or some sort of course of interest for a birthday celebration or friendly competition, but this was not the case tonight. Senior citizen group were taking bowling quite seriously, while at the same time enjoying themselves, drinking beer, and laughing at one another's mishaps and friendly conversation. As I began to bowl, hitting the gutter here and there, I overheard one of the elderly men from the group speak up confrontationally towards one of the bowling alley employees. He was telling him that now was not the time for the DJ to start up his loud music or turn off the lights, and I quote him, "We're trying to bowl here dammit!"

As time passed, the senior citizen group was able to successfully finish their rounds without anymore complaints. The lights turned off, the black lights were on, the DJ began his mix, and the next generation's party was on for this evening's bowling. The faces of the senior citizens appeared upset and aggravated as they packed up their things to go, although they said nothing more to employees.

As they left with those faces, the younger generation's faces grew large with thrill and excitement. I continued bowling with a similar facial expression, although I was enjoying the oldies that had been playing when I arrived earlier. The employees now appeared relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening as well. They cracked jokes with one another and were even friendlier with the generation now bowling. After a while of playing my game of bowling, then finally finishing, the atmosphere was still alive and eclectic. I return my smelly bowling shoes and walk out the 10 Pin Alley to end my bowling adventure.