Thoughts from a Soho Park Bench
A gorgeous fall day in the middle of a pandemic is to be savored
This afternoon, after eating a dosa outside at my favorite Indian spot in Soho, I walked up Lafayette Street until I found myself space on a bench, socially distanced from the nearest other New Yorker, and chilled. It was a perfect 68 degrees and the sun was shining. I looked around the park. A Latinx couple were making out. A middle aged Jamaican man was having a long, loud conversation with someone who’d borrowed money from him. Three young black men were opening their Doc Martin’s boxes and comparing their purchases. At the far end of the park an older white man, laid stretched out on a bench, shoes off, reading a magazine. A tall very stylist white woman held her tiny show dog in her lap as a tall shaggy dude (couple have been Italian) chatted and sipped from a bottle of sparkling water. Soul music of ‘70s vintage came from La Esquina across the street. I opened the ‘Before Watchman’ graphic novel I’d purchased at McNally Jackson indie bookstore on Prince and developed into the origin story of the Minutemen. Most of the people not talking on the phone or making out wore masks or only took them off when they were clearly six or so feet away, including me.
Have no idea what the winter will be like in NYC, but it's a beautiful fall day here and the old buildings are still standing. Black, white, Puerto Rican and everybody else eating, walking and hustling. I will likely dip out during the coldest months (the bones ain't what they used to be), but i am always impressed by the LIFE FORCE that seems to spring up from the concrete in the Apple. Don't think our ineffective Mayor or evil native son President can kill it, though neither is doing us any favors. That said its not the same without live theater and music. It won't truly be healthy again until Broadway reopens and DJs are playing bangers in clubs and jazz musicians are soloing well into the night. That nightly buzz can't be replaced by virtual jams or digital hugs. Somebody buy night spots some rapid testing equipment and upgrade their ventilation so 2021 is a time of revival and joy in the Apple and everywhere people nod their head to the beat. Until then I praise the old buildings that stand tall, the couples making out in the parks and the laughter of old men who act like "back in da day" was last week.