It’s December and I just got off the C train at 53rd and 5th, when I see his arms flailing above the thousands of people ascending the stairs. He defiantly stands halfway up forcing everyone to move around him. Those closest try desperately to avoid brushing against his layers of soiled clothes. He’s in his sixties and wears a red elf’s hat that jumps skyward as he stretches upward, his body moving in sync to the opening words of Good King Wenceslas. First, the words disintegrate into random sounds, then the melody becomes a one-note drone. Eventually, there’s no pretense.
“Ban people not cigarettes,” he yells as two policemen standing off to the side with machine guns flinch, then shake their heads.
“Be a man, cut the umbilical cord to women,” he yells, this time causing many to grimace.
“Marriage brings grief,” he yells, and I see some people nodding in agreement.
“Life is short,” he yells, and heads bow and the incessant holiday hum diminishes. His words follow me into the subway car, echoing off graffitied walls, sandwiched between closing doors, and caressed by the aroma of damp wool. I begin jotting notes so I won’t forget. A young man looks over my shoulder as the train rocks and says, “Should I know you?” I shake my head. “Maybe someday,” I say wistfully.
Across the aisle a man in this thirties has sound buds pushed deep into his ear, masking the screech of steel wheels on twisted tracks. He plays bass on his crutch as Coltrane’s sax gives way for his riff. His right hand plucks imaginary strings as his left forms cords on the metal crutch, and only he hears Naima. Eventually, the frenetic movement of his fingers becomes more steady, more appropriate for playing backup and John once again takes charge to end the set, as he mouths the words Naima, Naima. The bass morphs back into a crutch and the exhausted musician limps out at the Lincoln Center stop.
It’s only a short walk to the S Train when I get off under Grand Central Station. Crowds gently move me forward as if they were friends taking me to a ballgame. Somewhere in front of me I hear the strains of a familiar tune coming from a side passage. I stop and see a balding man leaning against the soot-spackled wall, puffing out sweet notes from an instrument I can’t see through his caressing hands.
He stands alone in the long corridor. His sleeveless wool vest providing warmth, yet enough freedom to play his instrument which I now see is a child’s plastic flutophone. A white threadbare shirt peaks through the holes in his vest, and his pants—still maintaining crisp front pleats—is bunched around his waist and held up with a black belt whose end dangles six inches below the clasp. On the gum-plastered floor is a neatly folded summer jacket and in front of it, a small brown cardboard box that should be filled with bills this time of year, but isn’t.
I stop and hear Silent Night, than Dradel, Dradel, Dradel, and finally Danny Boy. Ignoring me, he opens his eyes and looks into the box, then leans back against the wall. After a few deep breaths he’s playing Mozart’s Sonata in C. Implausible sounds bathe the corridor, but still, no one comes to listen. Those passing one opening continue on to a rap musician’s regular spot. At the other end, it’s a dash to Starbucks before the next train. I move towards him and drop a bill into the empty box. Sounds flow from the child’s toy for thirty minutes as if Mozart had invaded his lungs. Already an hour late for an appointment, I reluctantly leave to catch the 5, and see tears of joy flowing from his eyes.
Not a terribly bad way to begin the holiday season.
Lesson learned: Be a little more open and aware. What greater gift than acknowledging and “giving” to others whi;e receiving the best gift of all. Peace.
I agree with you completely Alvera.
Beautiful story, Stan – we all should remind ourselves to stop once in a while and notice the state of other human beings… May we all be as kind.
Thanks for your kind words Kimberley.
Stan,
I can shed a bit of light on the player. He is very well-known … a Sufi master who comes to that very spot you described around the holidays — it is said that he comes to hear the music in the hearts of all who look upon him [and can see him] and they are further enlightened. I have heard it said that he himself is not actually playing on whatever instrument one may see in his hands. I have no knowledge about it myself. I have asked many but they all say they did not see him nor hear him. How strange. Now I’m glad to know someone who did! I shall take vicarious comfort in that — and thank you for it.
May all your seasons be your best seasons,
Steve
Yes, I too have heard of this great Sufi Master whose name it is said is Imur, who travels backward in time from a distant Sufi paradise and beguiles people just by the sound of his words–even said in Persian. But alas, when i did see him again, nobody other than me listened and the box was still empty and the rapper had already made rent for three months. Happy Holidays to your family and say hello to Betty.
Wonderful holiday ‘card’ Stan! Thank you for reminding us all the power of human interaction at various levels. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for you kind words Angela
Thanks for sharing, Stan. Happy holidays to you, Wendy, and your family!
Thanks Cathy,
Same to you and yours.
Thanks Stan, your style of writing puts me right there in the moment, I even went back and gave him another dollar!!!
Only a Dollar? I should write better next time.
Thank you, Stan. Beautifully done.
Thanks Stephanie for your kind words
Thanks for sharing your story, Stan. You have a great gift for living and knowing,as well as writing. Wishing you and your family the very best.
Thanks Barb,
I appreciate your comments.
Just back from NYC Stan – virtually no entertainers in the subway and those there had talent. Where did your mendicants go, one might wonder? Cheers, Allan
You left too early. They’re out on 52nd street waiting for you allan!
Thanks, Stan for warming my season and my heart….
I was very moved by your story and salute you first of all for acknowledging in your soul what a special gentleman and circumstances you were encountering while everyone else was oblivious to the soulfulness of the scenerio and then expressing your appreciation with a gift, and secondly sharing it in such a beautiful way with us. Thank you and warm wishes.
Thank you for your kind words Beau
Stan you make creating literary breaths of fresh air look easy! Thank you for sharing your gift!
Thanks for your kind words Casey. I wish it was that simple!
I always look forward to your wonderfully written pieces. Thank you for spreading joy.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!