I look up to admire your buildings carved out of marble, granite, glass and material I can’t name. Your skyline is unique as your inhabitants. Sunshine razzle and dazzle on the surface. Wind tunnels between them provide much-needed space to let the air lift up our spirits and take away the heaviness.
I look ahead and see tourists, hustlers, street performers, and average New Yorkers. Some can’t wait for the walk signal to change before they cross. Some won’t cross until the lights turn green with no sign of cars. Everyone moves as if they’re late to a fabulous destination. They move as if their life depended on speed walking. I can taste the rush in the air. Not everyone is moving of course. Some are sleeping and some are holding up their cardboard signs with a catchy phrase to get your attention. To beg for money. To be seen. To feel like a member of the society.
I want to ask everyone. Where are you going? Why do you look like you’re late? You look really young… how did you become homeless? Aren’t you cold? Can I stop you to talk to you for few minutes?
I look down. Vibrant, healthy and full of life tulips have been planted with care. They are red. They are yellow. They are pink. Some are closed while most are open to bask in the gift of sunshine from above. Every stem and petal is filled with the elixir of life.
You are full of energy. Full of life. Full of possibilities.
I walk around in awe and smile at everyone I see. I am happy to be here. I feel happy to be alive.