I smiled

Today was long. It was never-ending. The hours dragged past. My office was cold and I felt trapped as I made one phone call after the next, giving me the feeling I was working as a dispatcher for the day. The sun was shining brightly through the 12 foot window I sit in front of each day, warm weather calling me out to the streets. The sweater which had been keeping me warm in the well air conditioned building would be peeled of in a mater of minutes. An uneaten peach, my cellphone, blackberry and book would all be thrown into the coach bag. With my gold "stunna" shades properly placed on my face and headphones in my ear, I exited my office and caught the next elevator down to the ground floor. Hmmmm, summertime in Harlem; although not always meeting my expectations, today left a place in my heart. I hit play on the i-pod, drowning out all possible traffic noises, but heightening my sense of smell, sight and touch . The sun hit my already sun toasted shoulders perfectly and followed me from East Harlem to the West side..."the best side." Passing a group of kids, all with loud giggles and lips stained the color of ice pops recently purchased from the ice cream man; I smiled inside. As I approached second avenue, I became a bit envious of 4 old men playing dominoes on an old card table. As one man washed the table for a new game, the other tipped his hat in my direction and said "Now, that's a fine lookin' woman ." Again, I smiled inside. As I passed delicious fruit stands carrying mango, watermelon, sliced papaya and other summer sweats, I turned up the volume on my i-pod and smiled. This scenario was recreated over and over as I walked, eventually finding myself in St. Nicholas Park...my neighborhood. I heard some old school sounds of multiple horns, a drum, base and electric guitar. As I drew near, I saw people dancing; young and old. Families were stretched out on the grass playing with their small children and moving their bodies with the beat. Did I walk up on an old school party in the park? I guess I did. Actually, it was a summer concert promoting non-violence in Harlem. Right on! That's the energy Harlem needs most. The DJ booth was off to the side, covered with a blue, plastic tent. Young local talent and activist were out, ready to interact with the audience and a youth basketball tournament was underway. I had just stepped into what some may refer to as another world. I listened as the lead singer's soulful voice spread throughout the park to the tunes of Bettie Wright and Al Green. On that note, I made a place on the grass, looked around me again taking in the whole scene and smiled. This time I smiled for the world to see. Another day in Sugar Hill...how sweet is!