So today I decided to get up early (despite having consumed many spirited beverages last night), and do the most dreaded outside chore of all: grocery shopping. The only reason I conceded to defeat and actually made the trek to the local Pathmark, came from my steady in-house diet of Lucky Charms and Saltines. Earlier during the week as I was eating my 2nd bowl of cold cereal, the thought occurred to me that it just might be alright to dine-in every now and then. With that said, I chose to visit a supermarket I had never shopped at, merely a few blocks from my home.
Being that I'm still a newbie here in New York, I'm continuously making an effort to get better acquainted with my neighborhood. I haven't lived in a all Black community since I attended an all black university, in an almost all black city. Its always at the very least touching, to see the kaleidoscope of smooth browns, textured curls, and the allegiant elders, all make their way across the boulevards of Harlem.
Today was a little unlike any other though... I hopped on the 8th Avenue bus in an effort to save myself some meaningless exercise, and my life unknown flashed before my eyes. Somewhere along my route two extremely elderly women boarded the bus, and it was looking into a mirror of forth comings. The two were African-American, and at least in their 70's, if not older. One of the women was a little more spry than her friend, but they made their way to the designated front of the bus seats. One of the women had a rip on the top of her shoe, (for imagination's sake we'll call her Sue) and it appeared she suffered from a moderate case of osteoporosis (or lack of good posture in her prime years). After looking at Sue and her friend in the most inconspicuous way possible, I felt an unusual desire to cry. I think it was because I saw Sue as this poor, older woman, who needed someone(of course, NO I was not on the bus sobbing). Needless to say, I was more than overjoyed to get off the bus and end my self-imposed misery, so much so I exited the bus 1 stop early.
Inside the grocers I was quickly able to shake my most recent memory, after 1 look at the newest circular (talk about sensory overload!). I made way down aisle after aisle hoping that something would just jump into my cart, making the process a little bit easier for me, but to no avail. As I made my way to my favorite area (the meat section of course), my damn future jumped up and bit me in the ass again!!! Who do you think was waiting for me at the skirt steak section, Sue and her friend. Except this picture that was before me, was even sadder than the first. Sue's spry friend, was helping her do all of her shopping. It was the most touching thing ever to watch Sue's friend bend over and reach for things her less agile comrade couldn't. Through it all though, Sue still kept up conversation and smiled when the mood struck. I made every effort possible to avoid them the rest of my shopping trip, but couldn't. Even at the ice cream freezers, Sue and her friend were reaching for goodies as I reached for mine.
Now I know you're wondering what's the point to this whole post of mine? I'm afraid of becoming Sue one day. I can't imagine actually having to lean on someone for my basic survival in life. I have a hard time letting suitors buy me things, much less actually take care of me. This is most frightening however, because the jury's still out on whether or not I want to get married some day. It was like a real-life visit from the ghost of my unforeseen future. Of course now because of my spooky day, I must immerse myself in all things considered "youthful". Debauchery anyone?
0 comments:
Post a Comment