As usual I was on mta autopilot, navigating the passageways with attuned precision, predicting a like bike messenger, dodging like a boxer, breathing like a yogi, and even aligning my car exits and entrances for the maximum possible efficiency. Coming quickly around the corner, judging by the large amount of people waiting, a quick breeze and a faint sound I knew that my next train connection is here. What a perfect timing, I thought, I feel so proud of myself, I got skills, skillllzzzz!
Sweet and delicious interchangeable play of accordion and base slowly started making its way into my busy mind. My body started leaning towards the music but my legs kept moving in the direction of the train doors like an unstoppable metronome. I made it, I caught it, I’m in the train, I have control over my precious minutes and the victory over time is mine.
me(m): this is so wrong
the other me(tom): what do you mean wrong?
m: I want to listen
tom: well, you are standing in front of the door facing them
m: for another five seconds
tom: instead of arguing just listen, three seconds by the way, better enjoy it
m: screw this
tom: wow, hold up, we are going to waste a lot of time!
Train doors close behind me; nobody is on the platform, except the music and me. I sit on the bench right by the band, close my eyes and soak in the tunes. I missed this feeling so much. It comes and goes setting me off on a rollercoaster. Actually missing that train gave me a chance to get the best seat, listen more and talk to these guys. I should do this more often.
I was behaving myself like that theology student on his way to make a speech about being a good Samaritan while passing by in a hurry a slouched over person on the steps of the auditorium. Where am I running? Do I really have something pressing to get to right at this moment? Honestly…no. I just got out of a yoga class, shopped around a bit and set out on my way home. Where did all of that yoga ways have evaporated? If the only place I can practice my “yoga” is on the mat, then I have even more to work on than I thought…Not this time, not today, I can still surprise myself.
m: thanx guys, where can I see you play?
accordion player continuing to play with one hand and reaching for a contact card with another: email me, I’ll tell you
Train doors close behind me, it moves. I find a comfortable seat, close my eyes and fuse the gentle rocking of the train with fading away dancing sounds of music. Smile…I should do this more often.
music in the tubes
