I spotted a couple people carrying tall banners right outside of Macy's Plaza and curiously walked toward what I perceived to be a mob, until I realized the banners were just ads for eyebrow threading and a new AT&T store. When I was living in Korea a few years ago, protests were not an uncommon sight. It had me excited for a minute.
Then I headed toward a blocked off street where Casey's pub was hosting a St. Patrick's Day show. Lured by a kazoo-like rendition of Shenandoah, I walked behind the stage and ran into another person carrying a banner. He was peering through the quasi-transparent green screen behind the stage, holding a banner that featured a bold red cross and the phrase, "Jesus saves." I kept walking and saw another of the same. If you ever visit Seoul, you'll see the night lit up by red crosses, all over the city.
On my way out from lunch at Harlem Place Cafe, I noticed a blown up image of more people holding banners in the cafe's window - protest signs this time! They read "WE WANT BEER".
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A familiar woman walked by me during lunch hour downtown today.
A well-groomed, full-bodied woman in makeup and business suit.
The last time I saw her, she was a moderately overweight teen with bushy eyebrows in white tank-top, overall shorts and tennis shoes. In my slip-on sneakers and t-shirt, I didn't know whether to feel young or old. Then I just wondered how wide my hips might appear to an observer. Do I digress?
---
She stocks up on new tupperware
and holds onto once cherished storybooks.
Perhaps she even has money she doesn't have
set aside for the occasion.
In my usual prater, thinking of nothing in particular,
I mention that it seems having a family with two little kids
may be holding back an older friend in her career.She quickly
jumps into say that she could watch my babies,
as long as she is able to stop working full-time.
HUh? baby?
The hints have been becoming less and less subtle. Yes,
I am aware that I am a day over twenty-four and a quarter, 엄마.
But just barely, as it continuously surprises me to announce that number.
And please, there is no need to figure my years in Korean age.
