| LUNCH WALK by Bessy Reyna He came bouncing down the street, heavy body, long hair, jacket and tie. There was an oddness about him. Then, as he approached I heard the sound of maracas coming from his pockets. Was it candy? I pictured hundreds of multi-colored sweets crashing against each other, he, oblivious to the crackling rhythm. Along Capitol Avenue our paths crossed, lunch break nearly over. How can I explain being late for work because I was following a man who sounded like maracas? A CUP OF COFFEE by Bessy Reyna "Watch me!" I tell Rob, the lovely dark-haired friend who has joined me for lunch. "Watch me, I'll have to pretend I don't know that the coffee is a gift from him." We dance the tango Ricardo, the Argentinian owner, is so happy to see me. It's been so long since I had lunch at this small place hidden on the second floor of an old building Rob and I sit by the window talking about books and watching the people below us as they stroll on Pratt Street. Ricardo whispers to me in a voice with the cadence of the pampas, ¿Querés un café? Do you want a cup of coffee? I know I shouldn't it would be one too-many for the day, but I can taste the offer the I-want-to-give-you-something because-I-am-so-happy-to-see-you! bursting behind the smile we dance the tango "Watch me," I say to Rob. I now have to pretend that I want to pay for the coffee and he will refuse to take the money. The proper behavior the warmth, generosity, the nostalgia that engulfs me now. In how many restaurants can you get free coffee just because the owner is happy to see you? A native language coming back to rescue me transforming me transporting me At lunch, we danced the tango I say goodbye to Rob, turn and give Ricardo gracias por el café before I descend the narrow wooden stairs that return me to another culture my brave new world. Around the corner a homeless man awaits. "Can I have a dime for a cup of coffee?" he asks. His voice startles me, I smile. "Come with me and I'll buy you a coffee," I tell him, pointing at the "COFFEE AND PASTRIES" sign a few feet away. "No! Not from there," he shouts annoyed. "From Dunkin Donuts!!" Of course, he does not want a cup of coffee. I place some quarters in his extended hand and walk away smiling dancing the tango having paid for my coffee after all. |
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