I ride the elevator to my new eighth floor apartment and I cannot help noticing that there is a generational gap between those who acknowledge and have a neighbourly greeting for others and those who remain exclusively cocooned in their cellphones. 

  Happy to go either way, I always have a friendly “bonjour” for those who admit me into their space for however long it takes to ride to our respective destinations. To me it is part of being human and existing together in community.

And for those mostly younger folk who’s community seems to be contained and connected to through their hand held devices I am also happy to stand contentedly and leave them to their scrolling until the doors open once more. 

  “Bonjour,” I merely say. 

  But I am fully aware that something has been lost. 

  “Bonjour.”