here, there, and everywhere

it all started . . . last spring, i guess. i was coming back from grabbing a slice at two boots when i noticed this very tall, intriguing guy. he held a camera in one hand and a dollar bill in the other. and perhaps the most intriguing thing about him? i found him attractive. and i'd seen him before.

so i crossed the street. with that bit of trivial knowledge. thinking nothing of it. until i found myself standing shoulder to . . . elbow with him. and awkwardly peered at him out of the corner of my eye.

until suddenly he stopped me.

he asked if he could take my picture while he handed me a dollar bill. the catch being that i had to keep the dollar. i looked at him inquisitively. he explained that he was doing a sociological experiment. to see how many people would take the dollar. so i proceeded to have my picture taken and begrudgingly took his dollar.

we were still walking in the same direction so i continued to ask him about his experiment and how successful he'd been. but then . . . we parted ways. i turned into brevin's for a drink to go with my slice. he headed straight, no doubt to find others to whom he could offer his dollars.

i was slightly saddened. curious if i should've swapped that dollar for a phone number. but chalked it up to one of those missed connections. new york moments. sidewalk encounters.

and yet . . .

since then i have seen him 3 other times. and each time in different neighborhoods.

once it was about 1AM on the Lower East Side. and he just happened to pass me on the sidewalk as i was leaving one show to head to another.

the other 2 times were actually on the same day! today. once over at astor place as i headed to the wine shop around noon. and later in the afternoon in my own neighborhood of the west village.

that kind of thing always surprises me.

8 million people in this city, and i see this guy.

kinda makes me wonder if i should have said "hi"

or . . .

"i think we should know each other. because you're cute. and you seem quirky. and you gave me a dollar once."

read and repeat

i read over people's shoulders. it's not exactly rude. it's commonplace. everyone does it. trust me. i've seen it. when you're smashed shoulder to shoulder with strangers, most are reading the day's newspaper, latest trashy magazine you wouldn't be seen buying, something academic, or simply a novel. so it happens.

i've peaked inside "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." caught a glimpse of theories by foucault and jung. read over directions and business plans. i've watched teachers mark through students' papers with their red pens. there have been variations of new york guidebooks i've glanced at and been dismayed at the "tips" they offer to visitors. there have been countless newspaper stories i've only read half of as i've waited for the page to turn. and entire magazines that i've gone through on a single commute. all thanks to strangers on my train.

i happened to glance down momentarily at a book being read by the woman seated next to me. two characters in her book were having a heart-to-heart. the only thing i had the time or inclination to read was:

"Do you know what i want more than anything in the world? . . . To hold hands with someone I like."

i had to have read that at least a month ago.

and of all things . . . that small sentiment has echoed in me ever since.

new york religion

the reason i love new york #129:

when my roommate bree proclaimed a "truth" and asked for an "amen," the people in her presence responded in chorus:

"ummmmmmmmmmm.........."

my aim is true

is that you behind those sunglasses? instead of your trademark spectacles?

gasp!

why indeed it is.

yeah. i thought so.

it really is

as the crowded E train emptied, i saw her sitting directly across from me.

almost a reflection.

she with her cup of joe. me with my cup of jack.

i thought . . . "mine's better."