Gandhi’s Smile
My hometown in Des is not particularly known for great seasonal variations. At this time of year, we are usually progressing from not-so-hot to gradually-getting-hotter. So while I empathised with all the birds-and-bees, spring is in the air talk, I never did really get it.
But in NYC, it sure is here! Trees are bursting into flower at every street corner like firecrackers during Diwali. Most people are smiling, even if their eyes are hidden behind extremely expensive sunglasses. And all serious thoughts are banished from one’s head.
When I took this picture at Union Square, I was contemplating deep profound contemplations about Gandhian economics and Capitalism. But the magic of that flowering Magnolia tree blinded me. All I could now see was a grinning old man. And I found myself asking, “Is Gandhi smiling because it’s spring?!”
Hey Avi,
I’ve spent many hot summer days with my political groupie friends sitting on bench in Union Square over to Gandhi in heated debates. I’m also glad the City and the community decided to clean-up this park. Michele