Riding the F Train

Every once in a while I’ll have a moment that makes me say "ah, New York," in a very appreciative manner. Moments like going over the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing the Manhattan lights, hearing "Empire State of Mind" blasting out of someone’s car or store front, or buying a cheap slice of pizza at three o’clock in the morning on my way home reinforce my love of NY.

I have one very distinct moment that involves a subway performer. I was riding the F train when it stalled on the track above ground (around the 4 Ave/Smith-9^th area). The train didn’t move and I had a clear shot of the Empire State Building. While we sat there, an old man walked into our car from an adjoining car and started singing "What A Wonderful World" in a very raspy voice. He had an old electric guitar, a mic in front of his face and the slightly distorted sounds came out of a small speaker he had tied to his back. "What A Wonderful World" is one of my favorite songs, and this man did such a beautiful/unique rendition of it. The combination of that song and the view of the city was enough to make me tear up. That moment really made me happy, but I didn’t give the performer any money, or any accolades at all. I just kept the moment to myself.

That event happened sometime last year. A couple days ago, I saw that same performer on the G train, counting his money at the end of the day. I didn’t know if I should tell him how much that moment meant to me. I wouldn’t usually do this, but something came over me and I decided to get up and tell him. I walked over and told him about the view of the city, his voice, that song and how it all made my night. He shook my hand and thanked me for telling him. We got off at the same stop and actually walked and talked for a while. He talked about God, his past mistakes, his attitude toward other people and life in general. It was a good conversation. He said he doesn’t usually talk to people at all; he just performs during the day and goes home by himself. He was surprised he was talking to me, and I was too after hearing his story but we were both glad it happened.

He gave me a hug and we parted ways. I think I made his night, which I hope was enough to pay him back for the time he made my night with his performance. Other than meeting an incredibly interesting person, I learned that it’s good to tell people you appreciate them. People don’t hear it as much as they should, or would like to. People rarely get their flowers while they can still smell them, but I feel like I just gave this man a bouquet and it made us both feel good.