“A Busker Counts His Coins” [FReeper nonfiction in the NYT]

The New York Times (Metropolitan Diary) ^ | August 24, 2014 | Paul Klenk (illustrated by Victor Kerlow)

[Silly]

Dear Diary:

A New York City busker is the recipient of love, affection, cheers, kisses and souvenirs from around the world. Or, sometimes, a plaintive shrug when a commuter cannot locate a dollar. Once when I was singing in the subway, such a man walked away dejected, then came bounding back, beaming, proudly offering a fresh yellow apple from his groceries. Yes, the money makes a difference, but I’m thankful for it all.

Bills spend easily, but coins accumulate. On a recent night I sorted and rolled over a year’s worth. Among them were a British 50-pence coin, two 5-cent euros (Belgian and Italian), a French 2-euro coin, and a commemorative nickel with the inscription, “Ocean in view! O! The joy!”

I reflected on the many deeply-felt expressions shared by those who stop to thank me. The words and even glances are sometimes so touching I must hold back tears during my next song. Just days ago, on a long ride up an escalator at 42nd Street, I was quietly warming up my voice with these lyrics from “Grateful” by John Bucchino:

“I’ve got a roof over my head,
I’ve got a warm place to sleep,
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts,
Instead of counting sheep…

“Grateful, grateful, truly grateful I am.
Grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly grateful.”

A woman about my age smiled at me as we reached the top. She was walking with a heavy black cane... (finish reading at link)

[Silly]

If you like this excerpt, I hope you will read the concluding two short paragraphs in the full version linked here. It is a compelling and surprising ending, and I know you will enjoy it.

This is the latest work of my creative nonfiction published by The New York Times. It appeared online on Aug. 24, 2014, and in the print edition the following day.

I love the Victor Kerlow illustration which they commissioned for the piece. I have corresponded with this prolific artist and am taking steps to obtain a print of the art.

This is a highly personal autobiographical account of my life as a musician in NYC. It meant a great deal to me to get published, and as a result I have become acquainted with the composer mentioned, John Bucchino, who composed the song quoted in the story. Unbeknownst to me at the time, many of my musician friends and associates are friends and colleagues of his.

If you enjoy this piece, please leave a comment and I'll ping you when future items of mine are published.

Silly

[Silly]

Here is the latest NYT nonfiction piece I promised, by the author of “A Reader at Home in Middle-Earth.” If you enjoy it, I hope you will ping your friends.

Thanks,

Silly

[exit82]

Well done!

I even learned what a “busker” is.

[Silly]

Thank you!

[Regal]

very cool

[windcliff]

How proud you must be!!! I loved the piece.

[9thLife]

Rock on!

[IncPen]

Good for you.

We (I) sometimes forget that not everything in life is politics.

The world is better for your art.

Thank you for sharing it.

[Nailbiter]

bflr

[Silly]

A new one published Thursday, “A Practice Nook in the Subway.”