Post Election Breakfast in Midtown

Originally uploaded by Hot-Potato

Gobama Painting by Joe B

I’ve lived in New York City for years. When I moved here, I learned the rules very quickly: don’t engage with strangers, don’t look anyone in the eye, and keep your head down and your feet moving.

But an amazing thing happened this week. After the election, people walked around smiling, head up, and looking each other in the eye. In midtown near where I work, I could see it whenever I walked outside. It was a silent communication between strangers – a sudden bonding or understanding that we’re all connected with these same emotions of appreciation, relief and hope for the future. And it felt good to walk around, smile, and see people smiling back at you.

The lights go out and I can’t be saved
Tides that I tried to swim against
Have brought me down upon my knees
Oh I beg, I beg and plead singing

Come out of things unsaid
Shoot an apple off my head
And a trouble that can’t be named
A tiger’s waiting to be tamed

(Photo from the secret NYC Coldplay show)