Icarus Grits

photo from google images. consider it a dramatization.

i had a couple of revelations on the train this morning.

sadat.  there was a mariachi band on the 5 train.  after they finished playing their song, when one of them went around with the overturned sombrero, i noticed that the seemingly more ‘downtrodden’ folks - im not judging, generalizing or stereotyping, but yes, im talking about blacks and hispanics who, by virtue of their dress, appeared to be on their way to jobs more blue collar than those of others in the car - were more likely to drop ducats and paper into the hat than the folks of white skin and collar.

those with the least to give gave the most.  now, im guessing that doctrine shows up in some biblical allegory, but my take is that what i saw had more to do with empathy and identification than a spirit of pure generosity or christianity.  it seems to me to be a broad extension of ‘charity begins at home.’

mubarak. needless to say, as i watched folks give the mariachis money, i wondered how i got off not taking out my wallet.  then i remembered - through children international, ive been sponsoring a little guatemalan girl, to the tune of $20 every three months, for about eight years now.  so it’s not like i dont give, period; i just pick my moments.  (i have a rule that i’ll give to any street musician playing a beatles song or a song i like, period.  this pretty much disqualifies the mariachis as soon as they walk in.)

that’s when it hit me - the guatemalan girl is like my unlimited metrocard.  sure, you purchase it for the value, but also for the peace of mind - that you dont have to worry about keeping track of how much money your card has left.  with my sponsorship, i dont have to feel guilty about giving or not giving to everyone i see in need.  cuz im already giving.

(i cant tell if this is an off-color post.  i mean, i know it’s not - i just hope it doesnt come across that way.)