In the sports world, being benched is not a good thing as you are taken off the playing field and assigned to “riding the pine” and hopefully motivated to think “Put me in Coach I’m ready to play!” 

However, in real life, a lot can go on while one is sitting on a bench (even, I suppose, in sports).  

As pictured, the center of Key West society sits at a bench across from the prime live rock and roll venue Green Parrot Bar on Friday nights at 5:30 for “Sound Check”. 

For those that have experienced it I need say no more, as they have indulged in the nourishing experience, as a virtual cross section of Key West society lounges on or passes by the bench. 

I have met and made good friends sitting on the bench (it is outside the Courthouse Deli and is called the Courthouse Deli Bench and it even has a Facebook page).  

There is also a bench outside the 5 Brothers Deli I get our con leche every early morning.  There the regulars take their bench seats in the predawn darkness outside the Deli.  I hear them laughing, opinionating and loudly arguing as I enter and exit with our coffee.  I have not yet infiltrated their society yet, but I have made acquaintance with one of them and I have aspirations.  

Then there are park benches (Corey has a song) appropriate for many things including secret spy drops and court benches from which issue important legal rulings. 

Have you been benched or know any seats of power?