autumn in new york
nothing like autumn rainshowers in soho...Last night i fell asleep reading Edwidge Danticat's masterful novel The Farming of Bones admist the flittering flames of a cinnamon scented candle. Moments like these remind me of the majesty of the fall. October, November and December are my absolute favorite months in the year. There is nothing quite like autumn in New York City---try walking down a Soho or Tribeca cobble-stoned street at 2am in November and you'll understand what I mean.
There are various quirky and random images/signs/events that for me have a semiotic relationship to the fall: hot caramel drinks at Starbucks on Washington Square South, the movies in Times Square, Rain, Toni Morrison, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Alvin Ailey performances, Astor Place, gay balls in Philly & Harlem, Thanksgiving dinner, Banana Republic, Yellow Cabs, The Virgin Megastore, Cinnamon, Candles, Hot Tea, Sweaters, Turtlenecks, Rent (the musical), sleeping with the night-light in my childhood bedroom back home, house parties, re-kindled ex-boyfriends....I could go on forever. These things----simply because of the ways in which they have characterized my relationship to the Fall in the past---always remind me of the season.
But as this fall begins new thoughts and images have entered my memory's repetoire. They come to me late at night in early morning hours such as these (5am). I've been haunted by images of the aftermath of Katrina and Rita on the (black) people of New Orleans; America's Most Wanted's recent re-staging of the Rashawn Brazell tragedy, and the current state of crisis among black men who have sex with men in the U.S.
There are various quirky and random images/signs/events that for me have a semiotic relationship to the fall: hot caramel drinks at Starbucks on Washington Square South, the movies in Times Square, Rain, Toni Morrison, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Alvin Ailey performances, Astor Place, gay balls in Philly & Harlem, Thanksgiving dinner, Banana Republic, Yellow Cabs, The Virgin Megastore, Cinnamon, Candles, Hot Tea, Sweaters, Turtlenecks, Rent (the musical), sleeping with the night-light in my childhood bedroom back home, house parties, re-kindled ex-boyfriends....I could go on forever. These things----simply because of the ways in which they have characterized my relationship to the Fall in the past---always remind me of the season.
But as this fall begins new thoughts and images have entered my memory's repetoire. They come to me late at night in early morning hours such as these (5am). I've been haunted by images of the aftermath of Katrina and Rita on the (black) people of New Orleans; America's Most Wanted's recent re-staging of the Rashawn Brazell tragedy, and the current state of crisis among black men who have sex with men in the U.S.
Every now and then I have to use black atlantic literature as my escape (and site of contemplation)...tonight's read: Gayl Jones' chilling classic Corregidora...
What random sites/sounds/images/events remind you of the fall?
i dunno wat kind of image.....anyway I like ur pic for the autumm in ny....nice one...ok ciao....best wishes...do visit my blog at www.invernokl.blogspot.com
Posted by
xianfu |
10/01/2005
I really like this post... The America's Most Wanted piece on Rashawn is also giving me nightmares.
Posted by
Anonymous |
10/01/2005
I love this time of year. This time last year, I had only been in NYC a month or so...was beautiful then..but this year I think I'll be able to enjoy it...and see it the way you do. I hope to attend many more autumn time functions.
Your images are mine as well...+/- some :-)
Posted by
Blah Blah Blah |
10/01/2005
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing style and the sense of freedom your vibrations give. There is something both refreshing and exciting in your presentation. I was friendly with the late writer Joseph Beam and I believe he would have loved your spirit. The ancestors are watching. Continue to make them proud Mr Frank Leon Roberts.
Posted by
Anonymous |
10/01/2005
charles, wow, im literally in chills at your reference to Beam. It means so much. Thanks
Posted by
the young people's professor |
10/02/2005
That perfumy department store smell reminds me of autumn. Why? School Clothes !!! and also the smell of crisp air as the weather starts to change in the morning and you can it smell start to get cooler. Wow this post made me smile...
Posted by
@GaryTylone |
10/02/2005
That is a great pic Frank.As a SoHo resident I get to see the beauty of it every season.
The turning of the leaves in central park,the search for a fab costume for Halloween,the change in the lengths of my weaves,and my favorite sign of all..FALL SALE at Bergdorf's.
Posted by
Anonymous |
10/02/2005
Oh, hey! Long time no hear from! Followed you from Akin's blog. Hope everything is all good, take care!
Posted by
Laylah Queen of the Night |
10/03/2005
why are peeps advertising their blogs in your comments? I mean, dont they know that they could get to http://prodigalsun.typepad.com by just clicking on the name? lol
Anyway, the bright red, organge and gold foliage on the Merritt Parkway, or on route 8 headed home to my momz reminds me of fall. Turtleneck sweaters and leather blazers remind me of fall. And most of all... Indian summer. When its late september or october and its 80 degrees outside... its like the last dance at the club, and its your favorite song. It reminds me of the wonderful summer I have had, and eases me into the new season which usually meant books and schoolwork, new friends and new adventures...
Posted by
prodigalsun |
10/04/2005
I have a post like this in draft mode...I have been enjoying the cooler weather (as long as I am warm and toasty inside). Cinnamon tea and apples and cinnamon scents have been drifting through my apartment. Cozy blankets to snuggle into at night. Autumn.
Posted by
Fresh |
10/30/2005