this time it wasn't that bad walking twenty-two blocks, I only had two small backpacks- one on my back full of assignments and one in the front full of snack et al. I didn't mind the walk, after 7 hours of sitting, I needed to stretch my legs and exercise.
it's always very cinematic, I rose from the tunnel using the escalator, I 'd be looking up to high ceilings of 30th station, very warm feeling- sandy stone, lights, gilded gold trimmings- people lining up, announcements over the 'pa.' I passed the bronze statue of "the angel lifting up a man," I happen to pick the doors that automatically opened.
Outside, the pillars framed the way for me, taxis lined up. There's a paradox in the way I moved. My steps were confident, I knew where I was going. My head was tilting in every direction: watching a crane lift metal, the dormant skeletal frames of a skyscraper that is supposed to be the highest one here in Philly history. the 'schukly' river is churning below, which looked like melted bronze with flecks of gold. Wind blowing combing my hair and massaging my head; it was just a nice feeling. for the most part, the pace of my amble was in sync with the downtown's stop lights- I rarely stopped and waited for the light to turn green (it was pass go).
I passed Love park, city hall, walked in the middle island of the Avenue of the Arts, and made a left on Chestnut street...
first drama- there was a crowd, people's head were directed to the opposite street. I hear people whispering "what's happening?", I too wondered. As I got closer to the scene, I see two black guys hand cuffed and sitting on the ledges in front of a store. Two white cops were standing to their left, and three bicycle cops were on their right. One of the arrested males was arguing with someone. I heard the word "deal," phrases "I wouldn't do that" "it's my grandchild's birthday" etc. I kept walking, I did turn around once but still kept walking (an aspect of Philly).
my eyes caught the display of macy, the fashion statement this season was "naturals"- earthy pastel colors- lots of tans, browns, green, pale yellow, khaki, etc. There was something military-esque and uniform about it. there's precision in the cuts, folds, and collars...
I reached my destination: Starbucks (what a surprise), I called my friend to start my spring break but she was busy. It was an awesome march day- a little windy and crispy air- towards evening the wind started picking up- I didn't want to leave the city so early. Black trash bags were bobbing up and down like jelly fish trapped in metal barrels... it was 4 pm so I ate an early dinner (sandwich and drank white raspberry mocha).
second drama- sitting to my left, there's an interracial couple, I didn't eavesdrop, the tone of their voice revealed it all. The woman's voice would rise and fall, and the man's voice was very calm, and steady. The woman looked like she's ready to go, while the man leaned forward, his hands appearing clasped together. When whatever they were discussing was over, the girl walked out but in peaceful/resolved terms.
straight ahead of my view in Jeweler's row, a pug just finished doing his business. he was brushing his hind paws onto the concrete as if he's revving up for a race...
third drama- a white couple was sitting behind me, when they first arrived they were in good terms and when they left they weren't. I heard the phrases "coping differently" then "taking the train" "driving in this traffic." The lady was saying that she'll take public transportation, the guy was trying to persuade her with traffic. The guy got up, put on his trench coat, his messenger bag slung to one side, the lady followed. they weren't holding hands, the lady got ahead of the guy, walking really fast with arms crossed, "smoke in my eyes" was sang by ella in the background.
after a couple more songs, I left and caught the 38 septa bus. The bus was rolling through Logan square (even though it's a circle) and stopped in between the Franklin institute and swann fountain park, by chance I saw the moon, which was pretty amazing. It wasn't even dark yet, the outline of the moon was perfectly visible in the blue sky of a setting sun. the moon was like white tissue paper pasted to the sky. the bus turned left to Benjamin Franklin parkway passing the philadelphia public library.
In front of the Rodin museum, an old man with a green bowler's hat was studying the "Thinker" from different view points. Joggers/rollerbladers. The bus went behind the philadelphia art museum, more murals on the bridge's wall.
Near Mantua, trash popped out on grasses and pavements. Neglected homes (boarded up), people chilling on porches, worker boarding doors- renovating houses...
I glanced upon the moon for the second time- it was brighter and shinier like a new dime fresh from the mint- polished silver platter superimposed on muted dusky blue.
homecoming...
Posted by Michael Diezmos at March 2, 2007 9:18 PM