Rare moments that capture my spirit and temporarily transport me...

I stand on a deserted subway platform well into the night. It will be at least another twenty minutes before there is any sign of a train. I left the city behind me as I descended into the transportation catacombs. As I make my way to the center of the platform I become acutely aware of the silence around me. I am completely alone. Although it is silent, I can still feel the energy of the moving city swirling above me. My senses begin to heighten. The barriers I have built to block out the noise and confusion surrender to the silence and I quietly relax. With my newly heightened senses I begin to take in my surroundings. I listen ever so closely to hear the drip from the street level above creating urban stalagmites throughout the intricate caves of cement and steel. I focus into the blackness hoping to catch the first glimpse of light that reflects in the dark tunnel, creating an eerie cloud of glowing dust. Squinting becomes hopeless and I yield my sight to allow my skin to feel the air around me, eager for a slight breeze or change in direction. In this instant I am transported to a state of just being and complete solidarity. Then I feel it, the gentle rumble below my feet, the air moving quickly past my leg and across my face. Within seconds lights glare through the tunnel and a train charges into the station. With a screeching halt the train slows to a stop and doors open in front of me. I take a step, the doors close behind me and I am pulled back into the rapids. My silent moment is a fleeting memory as I battle my way through the waters, but I smile knowing that for an instant, in New York City, I found silence and peace.