A-Trainin'

Sam had told me if I took the A-Train that I might witness some 'interesting,' if not 'wonderful' events—let's simply put it this way: events that leave even a sophisticated wmn like me wondering....

Business took me to New York and on my last free morning in Manhattan, Sam sent me instructions AND a picture.... The instructions told me exactly which train to take, what time, and where to position myself on the platform.... Sam even mentioned if I paid close attention when I boarded the train that I would see 'him'—not Sam—but a tall, bronzed, bald—completely shaven—built, business-type...immaculately laid-out—dressed as if I had dressed him, myself, Sam teased.... If at all possible, Sam wrote, I should sit next to him, or as close to him as possible, on the same side of the car....he would have no idea who I was, or what I was doing, other than taking the A-Train....away from Harlem....

She—the picture—on the other hand, expected me—Sam had sent her my pic—more than one, I'm now told, and each more revealing than the other.... Any way, she told Sam, that she was more than happy to take another long local to the end of the line....

Sam wrote that I should use my own discretion as to how to dress for NYC rush-hour ...while folks might be trancing, I would want to keep my focus and let her BE the focus.... So....I wore a simple ankle-length, black and white halter-dress, that buttoned up the front...black, three-inch patent, peep-toes....an 'industrial grade' thong, over sheer, crotch-less pantyhose....and a big black sunhat, with big black shades....inconspicuous...I think....

***

I was on the platform a bit before the train arrived....so much for being inconspicuous—or maybe it was just New York and the subway—I got more than a few looks—even some sistas—or was it just my imagination?... A-Train...like clockwork...I got on and there was Mr. Wall-Street, and a space between him and some youngster whose earphones looked like bio-mechanical implants—completely zoned—eyes closed, letting the rhythm of the 'A' do exactly what Mr. Strayhorn described....