LHR

Hot.

That was the forecast and sadly that was the reality. There something to be said about existing in the city when its 91 degrees and feels like 105. As  I left for the day my boys looked at me like I was crazy. “Dad, you know how hot it is right?” They cooed in their kitty language.  “I do indeed my fine furry fellows but I gotta keep you both rolling in litter and nip so I gotta make that bread.” I scurried quickly out the house after mistakenly mention the “n” word in front of them. Scurry.

Sardine.

 The MFL during the morning commute is microcosm of the city. All crammed into a metal box shooting through the veins of the surrounding neighborhoods.  Suits, scrubs, Bookbags, drugs.  People with vast differences connecting with one another for this 17-minute communal experience.  I often wonder how would the city look if we used that time to communicate with each other. Say a kind word, share a smile. Just 17 minutes. Wonder.

Rat Race

Corporate America has changed bit since the ultimate greed days of the 80’s. There is now an understanding, at least at base level that an engaged employee is a productive one. So instead of using the whip to drive performance they give you a tasty sweet lollipop, to distract you from the pain of the whip. Not all corporations are bad and the one I work for is pretty cool. I like what I do and I find fulfillment in helping my team reach their personal and professional goals. Hopefully the small pebble I throw can make some large, positive ripples in their life. While eating my mildly healthy lunch I like to sit here and people watch. I always hope that everyone I see on the street has one truly happy moment that day. Hope.

Getting strong now

Staying in shape is hard. Especially as you age. You get busy, you get tired and you get lazy. I have always wanted to be healthy but my vices would vice. Having a kickboxing/boxing gym in my work building is truly a godsend. I can make it to the gym before I make it to the bar. Heck I can make to the gym before I make it outside. No excuses sir. You have 82 steps to make it from your elevator to the gym elevator. Man, it’s really hot outside. 82 steps.  I could really use just one cold beer. 65 steps.  That cute bartender might be working today. 41 steps. I had a long day and I’m super tired. 30 steps. Did I watch the most recent episode of Doctor Who? 19 steps.  Ugh this gonna hurt 5 steps. Guess it’s time to put these gloves on old man. You made so let’s give 100%.  Ding, Ding.

The road home.

The train home was surprisingly empty which was a good thing because I was usurpingly ripe. Public showers are just not my thing. One day I’ll break the perfect body brainwashing the media so graciously bestowed on me but that day isn’t today. Empty train cars are spooky. I feel like I’m on a set and the cast and crew are on lunch. My imagination begins to run wild. What will the next scene be? Where will the lights go? How many extras? Will there be stunts? Oh wait is this the part where the meet cute happens? Before I can direct my imaginary scene in my imaginary movie, my very real stop is here. I get off in the No Libs area to go check on my Bestie’s cats while she’s away. And remember I’m an odor repellent. I’m repelling others with my odor. Sigh. The things we do for friends, and cats. Friends.

Homecoming

It’s a nice night so I decide to walk home. Still not smelling great but as a Black Man in this part of Philly I know that most people will cross the street when they see me the odor shouldn’t be an issue. Some men will grab their women’s hand or shoulder and pull them close. Some women will grab their purses. Some parents will grab their children. I often ask people why they do this and the response I usually get is I cross the street for every man. As I walk past 2nd street, I notice the tall white cute curly haired boy catching smiles as he walks past a crowd of women on the same side of the street and I wonder, every man? Have you ever had a stranger look at you with pure fear in their eyes? Not afraid of you because of anything you said or did. Terrified of you because you simply exist. No judgment, just a question. My mind wanders a lot when I walk. I do love the Philly murals.  They bring so much beauty on my walk home.  Beauty.

The pit stop

Finally, home. Feed the beasts. Shower the bod. Satiate my hunger. I’m so comfy cozy all I want to do is watch Ncuti and Millie Doctor Who it up, read about James Gunn’s new Superman movie or maybe play Hell blade 2. Instead I make a cup of Earl Grey tea, hot like my favorite Captain and I think about my day. And I think about this entry and the people who will read this.  I’m ruminating on one word: Grateful. I’m grateful for the day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a change or a difference. I’m grateful for my job and my body. I’m grateful for community, of all kinds. I’m grateful for my friends, my family and my boys. I’m grateful for the people who don’t like me because of how I look or who I am because it gives me perspective and makes me cherish the people who do love me so much more. I’m grateful that I can still see beauty in a world that sometimes seems determined to only show it’s ugly. But most of all I’m grateful for the human I am and the human I am to be. Lastly, I’m grateful that there is a bar next door. Hey, vices are gonna vice.  I hope that you are grateful for wonderous beauty that is you. Grateful.

LHR is a Pop culture nomad with a heart of gold and an infectious smile. You can find him at the next rave, belting karaoke at the local dive bar or at a random Con or on Instagram @someassemblyrequired75