Lemmings
Separated by concrete posts, buzzing fluorescent bulbs, layers of polyester. Separated by race, creed, borough. Separated by career, social standing, waistline. Are you a fan of elephant or ass? Fox or CNN? SoHo or UES?
As I watch all the people tucked around me in subways, I can’t help but drown in the differences. I submerge myself each day deep breath gulp! down the stairs into the city’s overactive and growling underbelly.
A few friends and I were talking about our subway experiences last night at dinner. I have to force myself not to have my iPod in the whole time… or I spend all my people-energy at work and my commute is my down time. I don’t talk to people and I don’t want to… or I find the subways to be really depressing. Everyone is in a rush. No one looks up. Everyone’s in their own world. There’s no desire for interaction.
I fall on the opposite side of the spectrum. Neither side is good or bad, but different.
I enjoy the subways. I enjoy rubbing shoulders with all of humanity. I can’t wait for the free peek into peoples’ lives, however uninteresting they prove to be. I appreciate the differences in race, financial status, clothing style (and goodNIGHT nurse there are some odd ones here, not that I know anything about fashion.) I love that everyone has something about them that’s a bit off. A scuffed boot toe, two shades lighter than the rest – an indication of much walking, little money. A strand of hair, unhinged, though the others stay firmly in place. Smells of hairspray, cigarettes, expired perfume, intrusive body odor. Skirts tucked into pantyhose. Smudged mascara – at 8:00 a.m.! Gasp. The smell of someone’s bologna sandwich crawling into my nostrils.
The subway experience in NY has proven to be one of my favorite aspects of living in this city, daily. I’m realizing more and more how small I am in the scheme of things. How I can make my little dent in the world, but that its enough. That just as each face was intentionally created by God, each face will be intentionally cared for by God, whether that involves me or not. I’m at a point of trying to find where my small dent is (or should be) in the world. I suppose I’ve been doing that for a few years now, but this hailstorm feels on the verge of ceasing…or at least calming to 20 mph winds. I am learning to pull close those who have sat in the wake of my storms and have held on for dear life. Having Darc here this weekend was one of those times. I wanted to pull her close and never let go.
NY continues to be good to me. I’m grateful to be here.
Goodbye for now. I love you.
I so love your view of the subway. How refreshing, even if the aroma isn’t always refreshing. You are a kind, kind soul and seem to find the good in everyone. Love you.
kristin
November 11, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I, Too
I, too, sing America
I am the darker brother
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong,
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed-
I,too am America.
L. Hughes
Bill
November 12, 2009 at 4:25 am
I feel the same way when I ride the subway. I love looking around at people’s faces, their expressions, learning something about them by observing for a moment or two.
I also love taking trains I don’t usually take. Like last night I was on the L and I saw all sorts of different people than I normally see… it’s fascinating.
Anyhow, that was a long-winded comment, but really to say, glad you’re liking NYC and I love your photos.
Cheers!
Samantha
sam
November 12, 2009 at 3:24 pm