The Gates

... a metaphor for the river of life

In 2005; in the Chinese year of the rooster; on my birthday; in a
new (and hopefully last) snowstorm of this winter; and under the fall
"snow" moon, I arrived in the Big Apple, New York City.

I took the Fung Wah, or Chinese bus, which runs from Chinatown,
Boston to Chinatown, New York and used to be $20.00 round trip. Now it
costs $30.00 round trip and leaves from South Station bus terminal,
almost like all the other bus companies, but cheaper.

I decided to celebrate the occasion of my 66th by going to see "The
Gates", an installation art event by Christo and Jeanne-Claude because
at this time of year in New England we all need a boost. We need color!
We need a reason to go out into the cold; to find fresh air and life!

I stayed overnight with friends whose apartment overlooked St. Patricks, for pete's sake!

In the morning, the snow had stopped and the sky was undeniably
blue. There was something wonderful to see at every turn as we walked to
Central Park.

We stopped at a wonderful cafe for brioche and frothy cappucino in bowls.

Then, above the pristine blanket of snow, we saw the bright orange "gates"
fluttering all across Central Park. A prelude to spring! Inspirational,
orange!

I felt like I do at leaf peeping season, or when walking down
Newbury Street when the magnolia is in full bloom! Beyond being pleasing
to the eye, for me, it was a metaphor for the river of life; all the
thresholds we pass through; all the sad endings and all the new
beginnings.

previously published

April 1, 2005