This summer, my wife and I took a trip to New York City as part of our usual summer delights as teachers. It was her first trip and my second to the great city. I had first gone in 1997 while I was in college. When we were there, we looked at all the traditional sights as well as some of the aftermath of 9/11. We even got to eat a black and white cookie as made famous in an episode of Seinfeld. They were certainly delicious and almost like eating a piece of cake.
As part of the Grayline "hop on hop off" tour around the city we of course had to take a trip to Battery Park to gaze upon Lady Liberty. Rather than pay money though, we were content to take the free Staten Island Ferry which provides a gorgeous view and great photo opportunities. I must say that for some reason I like the photos I took during my first trip to NYC. I was right near her and took a picture up her dress. Unfortunately that was before the ease of technology and I cannot post it and it is too much of a hassle to scan at the moment. Besides, I would hate to find that I corrupted some young child by posting the statuesque booty on the internet. Nothing like a view of copper crotch for a young guy to stumble upon.
While we were at Battery park that day, recharging our Batteries, I took a walk down the white shell pavement over what appeared to be a drain. After I had taken five or more steps I realized that when I stepped on the drain, it let out a noise, much like a note from a xylophone. I stopped in my tracks and turned around, took five steps back, and stepped on the grate again to discover it contained a variety of different notes. Right there in the middle of the park was a musical device waiting for discovery. It was arranged into nine different squares and it was similar to the pattern used by many of today's "dancing" video games but without the electricity and bright colors. It was just a metal grate. As I put my feet on each square I discovered there were enough notes there to make a melody, a melody which naturally progressed into a tune from the highlands, while at the same time making the melody required me to dance and move my feet. So, there in Battery Park, between the water and the mammoth skyline, I made music. I made music in one of the most peaceful parts of the city, where people probably come both to escape from the hustle of life and the elevated threat of terror. It can be surprising where one can find music.
Another part of the story that cannot be left out. After taking five steps away and on my way back a lady in a business suit along with a well dressed man stopped to talk to me. She asked me how I liked discovering that musical device and I said that it was great. She replied to me that she designed it that way. While others wanted her to include signs pointing to the embedded xylophone, she felt that self discovery was the best option.
Remember when you come across people, like that gutter, they may look plain, but can make beautiful music if we take the time to go back and listen and participate. The best things in life are waiting to be discovered... cliche' but true.
