This is a park bench in Kalorama Park. It's only a few months old. It features a little shelf into which is tucked a little yellow, waterproof notebook. 

The bench was built by The Kalorama Park Foundation. They invite people to write in the book. And they do.

Some people draw pictures and comment on the weather.

Other people people say horrible things that they would probably never speak aloud — at least not in "mixed company."

Some people write in Spanish.

Some people write about the past.

Some people tell stories about their day. This was a story by a bike messenger about a conversation that he had with another messenger while they took a break and smoked out.

And mostly people just write snippets of whatever is on their mind.

You should go read the book and maybe write something. It's fun!