October 20, 2006
THE SON IS COMING
Yesterday I awoke quite early to the sound jackhammers
outside my window. Workmen were tearing
up the street, replacing the sewage lines. It was
a gloomy day; I dressed hastily, grabbed
my old black coat and watch cap, my battered
copy of A season in Hell and headed for my favorite
cafe. The same cafe every morning. The same time.
Opening hour. 9 a.m. The same fare. Italian espresso
with a side of hot water and procuitto on toast.
I was in a dark humor as I navigated a bulldozer to cross
Houston. Someone tapped me on the shoulder.
I looked up and realized I was surrounded by a group
of mentally challenged students. A young boy tapped
me again, looked in my eyes and said, "The sun is coming!
The sun is coming!" At first I thought he might be referring
to the Second Coming, but then I noticed the sun struggling
to pierce the heavy dark sky. We stood there in the middle
of the street watching it succeed then spread
its rays and warmth upon us.
The boy was whisked away by his guardian and I stood there
alone, regarding the sun, as cars honked impatiently.
I realized by the time I hit the cafe I was smiling. The enthusiasm
of the boy as well as the sun itself had entered me
and I felt of an inexplicable joy.
Today It was the same drill. The jackhammer and the rain.
The same time same coffee same cafe same book. The
boy did not appear nor did the sun, but I thought about them
both and was happy anyway.
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