The Benefits of Being a Red Light

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell my story. So many people dislike me, that I don’t think they’ve thought about how vital I am to their lives. It’s taken me a long time to get a high enough self esteem to realize that I have value and that I matter. I’ve also come to notice, that I may in fact be luckier than my cousin Green Light. She is always busy hurrying people through intersections that she doesn’t have a chance to slow down and enjoy all of the things that can be seen.

My name is Red Light and I live at a busy intersection in New York City. It’s my job to stop rows of traffic so that motorists who are driving in the opposite direction or who need to turn, or so pedestrians can cross the street can do so safely. But often my work isn’t appreciated because so many seem to think that it is my job to hinder them. The truth is, if Green Light and I didn’t work in sync, it could be disastrous. I hate to think about the lives that could be lost and the injuries that could occur.

So, the next time that you’re stopped at a red light, be thankful, take a minute to pause. Instead of being in such a hurry, be grateful that the lights are there to help you get where you’re going safely. If you find that having to stop at lights is getting you to places too late, think about your schedule, and try to leave earlier. Lights are essential to getting you home to your family safe at all hours of the day.

And road safety isn’t just about the lights, it is about remembering that the road needs to be shared with so many other people in a day. Help me keep everyone safe by doing your part. I get so angry sometimes when people run right through me like I don’t even exist. I want to yell and scream at them and put out a spike strip so that they’re caught and taken to justice because they’re putting lives in danger. But no one hears me, and I have no arms or power to go after anyone. All I can do is watch is horror and disappointment.

There are a lot of great things about being a Red Light too. Since I spend so much time sitting and watching traffic and my surroundings, I get to enjoy many pleasures. I can enjoy the magic of the sky and the warm sun, refreshing rain, fun clouds, and twinkling stars. I also get to listen to the music that comes blaring out of car stereos. There are some tunes that I enjoy much more than others. I also enjoy audiobooks and podcasts because even though I stay in one place all the time, I like to know about different things that happen in the world.

From my place on the light pole, I can also watch the people shopping – going into and out of stores, buying magnificent clothing, Knick knacks and meals. The food smells so delicious. I wonder what a hamburger and French fries tastes like, but since I have no mouth, I will never know.

I like watching happy people walking along the sidewalks and trying to figure out what their expressions mean. The ones who are so in love are the ones that make me feel the happiest. Sometimes, my heart even skips a beat as I see them holding hands and being so excited. Once, I saw someone propose outside of the jewelry store. It was amazing. The man had just bought the ring, while their girlfriend was down the street picking up something at the post office. They met outside the jewelry store after, and magic happened. I think that may forever be one of my best memories.

Thank you again for listening to me tell my story. Even when you’re angry at me, know that I’m here to look after me, and I’m never going to stop being your Red-Light protector, even though you like Green Lights better.