I ride the Manhattan subways at all hours. Often, I read
or write or close my dark eyes and drift off to a distant
place of peace.
But aggressive strangers interrupt my serenity and lacerate
my soul. Even Transcendental Meditation™ cannot save
or release me.
And I drop into a deep hole of despair and rage. Like a
caged animal, I’m ready to roar and rip
the interlopers.
But with my parched lips, I pray silently or in a whisper
to my G-d Hashem.
Sometimes I count to 10 or 100 or simply walk away.
Kabbalists say that everything is for the good.
Who knows?
I’m a man of peace and rage too. On this day, I restrain
the caged animal inside.
How long will it hide?
How long?