By Joe Cross
After the New York City Halloween parade, I wandered through Washington Square park and marveled at the natural exuberance of the NYU students and other New Yorkers and tourists who set out wearing angel’s wings and all forms of wigs and costumes. I had to admit, I felt as energetic and full of possibility as they looked. I wanted to tell them to do whatever they could to retain that feeling forever, maybe even saving a specimen of it for those dark days when it will feel like their bodies are rebelling against them.
I wanted to say: “And if that fails, kids, Uncle Joe’s got the Mean Green for you right here!” This being Washington Square Park, and me being a middle-aged foreigner in an Elvis suit, I didn’t say as much for fear of getting arrested. Instead I sat, watched and wondered, When did I stop feeling so young and energetic? Why? I knew now that things didn’t have to stay that way.