I’m walking home passing Park Avenue Synagogue when I see a well dressed, 40ish, African American man leaning against the wall by the back entrance with his head in his hands.
Of course I stop.
“Are you alright sir?” I gently ask.
He flips around like a ticked-off tortilla and says,”Can’t a man just pray anymore,” shaking his head as he runs to his car parked at the curb. I watch as he peels off like Mario Andretti even running a stop sign. Wonder how God would feel about that?
No good turn goes unpunished, as they say, shaking my own head in quiet bewilderment as I walk the rest of the way home.
SB
Only he knows what he’s going through. If you knew too, you might think his brusque reaction quite tame, given the circumstances.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. I didn’t mean to intrude. I thought he might be sick.
LikeLike
Perhaps it’s hard to have a quiet moment in NYC!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I should move to Pennsylvania.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Move to Lincolnshire: sedate climate, cheap housing, good veg, friendly folk, low crime, good beer and me!
LikeLike
And Lola.
LikeLike
There’s more to his story than simply praying. Maybe we should give his rude actions a pass and send a few prayers his way. Never stop showing that you care, Susannah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like I just wrote to Elle, I can’t seem to help myself. To borrow a line from writer Marie Brenner, I’m an Olympian listener, just with my eyes. 🙂
LikeLike
It’s not often you see someone leaned up against the wall praying. My reaction would have been the same as yours Susannah. ~Elle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just can’t seem to help myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like he was having a bad day, but still no reason to snap at you. I admire your consistent kindness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He just looked so distressed. I think he was. I’m like a bloodhound when it comes to that.
LikeLike
There is more to this story. I know hailing a cab to follow him crossed your mind. You did the right thing in the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He probably had just knocked up, or off, his girlfriend
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was my first thought! Hahaha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Something was dire alright. The patter of little feet or a body in the trunk. Is there no middle ground anymore? LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
No…lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is why no one talks to anyone in nyc lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
If we’re smart that is, especially before 9. 🙂
LikeLike