Member-only story
What Do I Do With This?
Fear & Loathing on a New York Subway
It had been a really wonderful day out and about in the city with my partner Tammy. We looked at some used clothing at a Goodwill, walked around a bunch—it being our primary form of entertainment—and bought some groceries for our evening dinner.
We were sitting on the 2 train heading home. My head was buried in a short story by David Foster Wallace and Tammy, sitting across from me (the train was quite crowded) was having brain discourse with Gabriel García Márquez.
Just another day in New York City amidst a pandemic—so I’ll mention here that everyone within sight in our subway car was wearing a protective mask.
On 42nd street a group got on announcing “showtime!” The usual little boombox was blasting music and the three guys proceeded to set up to do their act.
For those not familiar —”Showtime” is a type of performance pole flips/acrobatics done as a busking routine using the hand holds and poles on the subways. The performers are young black men, and some of the acrobatics can be impressive.
I have only been lightly clipped on my knee once, but I personally do not enjoy being in that close a space with univited physical acrobatics with shoes flying past my face. Personal taste.
