One cold, snowy Sunday, I headed down to Rituals with Tarrey, this incredibly beautiful, sexy, young lady I was now dating. We were both anticipating another amazing night. The cold was ridiculous that night, so after we parked, we planned to make a mad dash like two track stars for the door.
We stepped out to cut thru the arctic chill, but this homeless cat suddenly and humbly waved us down, stopping us in our tracks. He asked us if he could clean our windows for some change. Like most major cities, Chicago is flooded with the less fortunate. Sadly, after getting stopped a thousand times, you grow immune to them, you become accustomed to them. So much so that you start passing them up, shaking off any remorse you may have felt.
The bitter cold motivated us to keep it moving, but we sensed something different about this scrappy, fiftysomething-year-old man. We could tell he hadn’t showered in a while. His shoes were broken in and broken out. His coat was holed by time and maybe the streets he slept on. His hat and old gloves were ventilated too from the wear and tear. I couldn’t help but think, I just got out of a heated car, and I’m shivering. How is he living in this deep freezer?
How was he spending hours out in this brutal cold that I had no intention of standing in for more than a minute or two? I was puzzled by his strength. Even more confusing was the joy that he expressed. Despite the cause and effects that brought him to this point, despite the conditions he was dwelling in, he was beyond pleasant. He was jolly. Resting behind his clouds of breath lay the biggest, brightest smile that I had seen on a stranger in a while. He may have been down and out, but his will to live was burning bright. That willingness, that appreciation for life, was translated into the kindheartedness he expressed. With that infectious smile plastered on his face, he instantly became one of the nicest people I’d ever met.
Naturally, we agreed to accept his help. We couldn’t say no. We didn’t want to say no. We would happily bear the cold a little bit longer if it meant helping someone this nice. His smile was ongoing as he began to clean the windows. While he worked he told us he had plans of using the money to get a haircut for an upcoming job interview. Knowing we were helping him reach a goal made the moment that more special.
Most times when you do help folks on the streets, you’re not sure where the money is going. I’ve had homeless people ask me for money for food, and moments later I’d see them walking into the liquor store. There have been times when I’ve given food instead of money, and I’ve seen that food end up on the ground. But this man was different. With every bit of my spirit, I knew he was telling the truth. As he finished cleaning the windows, I knew he was going to use the money to try and better his situation. We naturally wanted to remember this pleasant being, so we asked him for his name. With that golden smile still on his face, he chuckled with joy and said, “Raymond.”
Raymond’s bashful cheer reminded me of how I felt when I was five, waking up on Christmas Day with a host of gifts flanking the tree. His joy was innocent and pleasant. It was sweet and kind. It was contagious. It was touching watching him as he stepped from side to side, ecstatic with the few bucks we gave him.
Excited to return the love, he said he wanted to sing a song for us. “A song?” we replied. “Of course!” Without further hesitation, Raymond jumped into his vocal escapade.
Being in the arts, I’d heard thousands of singers and poets. It’s beautiful to see people express themselves, but some are just extra special. Some have a way of tapping your core, moving you in a way you’ve never been moved. In all my years, I’ve still never been moved quite like Raymond moved me on that cold winter night.
This down-and-out man, blanketed by a smile, closed his eyes, opened the depths of his soul, and began singing Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Reasons.” It was as if a piece of heaven poured out of him. His voice climbed into falsetto moments and fell into low tones. He was unbelievable, graceful, and soulful. He was smooth. His notes floated effortlessly.
We were captivated by this champion of music. It was like Marvin Gaye or Luther Vandross had been reincarnated and was living in the cold streets of the Chi. We were blown away, thankful, inspired, overwhelmed, in complete awe of his majestic gift. Raymond had the voice of an angel.
Tarrey and I both knew that he would lift the Rituals crowd the same way he lifted us. Without any hesitation we asked him if he would come inside with us to share his talent. We begged him.
“Oh, I don’t know, man. They don’t want me in there,” Raymond replied.
Based on his appearance, I understood his hesitancy. Honestly, I didn’t know how folks would respond to him walking into the door, but I knew that they would be amazed if Raymond had the opportunity to sing.
We kept telling him that it would be all right, and after he contemplated for a few more minutes, we finally convinced him to come in. As soon as we walked in the door, folks turned up their noses and cleared a path. The shock they wore on their faces was expected, but at the same time, it hurt to see their open distaste.
The questions rang:
“What the hell is he doing in here?”
“Why did you bring him in here?”
I knew it would be a battle. Prepared for the onslaught, I told those who asked that he was cool. “Chill out, man! He’s with me.”
Not wanting Raymond to be pushed out by the comments, his discomfort, or lack of confidence, I rushed him to a seat that would be in my sightline from the stage. Once I got him situated, I headed to the stage and started the show, keeping my eye on him, making sure that he was fine.
“And the church says . . .”
“AIGHT!”
“And the church says . . .”
“AIGHT!!”
“Are y’all ready for the show?!
[The crowd applauded, hooting and hollering.]
I hope y’all ready ’cause we have a very, very special show for you tonight!
I know it’s been a long week,
But tonight we’re going to relieve some of that stress,
And kick the week off right . . .
So if you’re ready,
Put those hands together,
Make some noise,
Buckle up,
Put your seat belts on,
And get ready for this ride!!
The first poet to the mic is . . .
And the church says!”
“AIGHT!”
The show got rolling. The energy felt great. The band was rocking, and as always, the poets were destroying the mic in the best way possible. It was another classic Rituals evening.
In between every act, I made sure to see if Raymond needed anything. He told me that he didn’t drink anymore, so I brought him some juice. When I brought it to him, I noticed that the people around him didn’t look comfortable. Folks scooted away, wincing at his aroma, giving dirty looks, and isolating him. It was evident that their discomfort made Raymond more skeptical about being there. Noticing this, I wanted to hurry up and bring him up, but knew it had to be at the right time.
Midway thru the first half of the show, the spot was packed. It was ridiculous that night. Standing room only. The time was now! I went up, manned the mic after one of the poets performed, and addressed the crowd:
“Give it up, Give it up, Give it up!
Ooohh weee . . .
I told y’all we had some heat for y’all tonight.
When it’s 10 below when the wind blow,
This is that under the covers with your lover heat!
Uh-oh, she’s giving her guy the look.
I think some babies are go’ be made tonight!
Hahaha!!
And the church says!”
“AIGHT!”
“Aight, at this time I want to bring up a VERY, VERY, VERY special guest.
In all my years, I’ve never heard anyone as amazing as this individual.
I recently met him, and in seconds, he changed my life.
Now, I had to beg him to come in here, but I’m so glad he did.
I know he’ll touch your soul the same way he touched mine.
So, I need y’all to give him a VERY, VERY, VERY warm round of applause.
I need y’all to make some noise!
Clap your hands, stomp your feet, hit a neighbor!
Well don’t hit a neighbor, but give it up for one of GOD’s gifts.
Give it up for a man who possesses the voice of an angel.
Make some noise for RAYMONDDD!!!”
As Mark Stampley and his band kicked in, it was clear that this was by far my best intro that night. The energy was electric! You would have thought Michael Jackson was coming to the stage. The crowd clapped, screamed, and hollered, looking around to see who was possibly going to stand up after an intro like that. Then Raymond appeared.
A wave of shock consumed the room, faces turning toward each other, puzzled by the mysterious reversal of who they were expecting to see up there on stage. With his smile as his shield, Raymond slowly, nervously, made his way to center stage. When Raymond reached me, I gave him the mic, shook his hand, and told him, “Do your thang!”
Raymond stood in front of the mic. Timid at first, he looked out into the crowd and then said, “What’s up?!” Like most performers he’d watched before him, he talked to Mark Stampley about what music he wanted, and Mark issued orders to the rest of the band. The room began to fall into the magic of the musical groove.
As soon as the music kicked in, I could tell that Raymond was a lot more relaxed. The music gave him courage. Feeling good, he jumped into the song, throwing his notes like feathered darts. Hearts were the target, and he was hitting all bull’s-eyes. Line after line, note after note, Raymond worked the crowd with charisma and vocal precision. He was doing his thang! He sang his heart out! Man, he was amaazzingg! Based on the wild, eruptive reactions from the crowd during his performance, it was clear that no one wanted this flow to stop. No one!
The band followed his accents and crescendos until his magical performance sadly came to an end. When it did, man, I wish you could have been there to see what I saw. This once discriminative crowd, who had turned their noses up to him, rose to their feet and gave Raymond the proudest standing ovation I’ve ever seen! Everybody in that packed room stood up and clapped on and on and on. Raymond, with an even bigger smile on his face, stood there, center stage, absorbing this special love. You could tell that his spirit was lifted. You could see his joy grow.
As I walked back to the stage, I was proud of us all that night. I took the mic, put my arm over his shoulder, and addressed the crowd . . .
“AND THE CHURCH SAYS . . .”
“AIIIGGHHHTTT!!!”
Give another round of applause for Raymond!!!
Give it up for Raymond y’all!!!
This is an angel right here . . .
An angel!!”
Wanting to extend our love, we got a tip bucket from the bar and passed it around for Raymond. In a few short minutes, we raised close to $140. Impressed by the generosity, I rushed over to give the money to Raymond. He was already overwhelmed by the love being received, and he wasn’t looking for anything else in return. He was so humbled by the moment. When I finally handed him the money, he lit up even more. He tried turning it down, but I insisted that he take it. I kept telling him that he deserved it and so much more. I told him that everyone wanted him to have it. He gave a huge sigh of relief and thanked me over and over again. He told me he would now have enough money for a haircut, food, and shelter. Knowing that absolutely warmed my heart.
The next week Raymond decided to come back down to Rituals. When he walked up, I almost didn’t recognize him. He had on newer clothes, he was cleaned up, and, yes, he had had a haircut. Just like the week before, he thanked Tarrey and me over and over again for inviting him in. He told us that after getting his haircut, he went to his interview, and he got the job. He also told us that he found a place to stay. Wow!
I felt like I had made a difference. I felt like I had helped someone with their life! I felt like I had changed the world, even if it was just a little bit! That’s what it was all about, that feeling! It was a testament to the power of reciprocity. His presence, his gifts, and his kindness were a blessing to me as much as my helping was a blessing to him. I realized how important it is to help one another in times of need, despite what their appearances may be. After all, blessings come our way in all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes.
To see without eyes is a gift,
Our hearts become braille,
The scales melt,
Lightning strikes,
Connections are electric,
The nature of our currents flow strong,
Foundations firm up,
New light shines,
Seeds sprout,
It feels like spring,
Again . . .
We find the thresholds of new seasons,
Hidden reasons to our lives are revealed,
Sealed with love,
Bordered by the courage to dance with chance,
We find new meanings,
We begin to face the fear of what you once didn’t know,
Trusting your spirit more than your eyes,
Feeling more alive,
Complementing what naturally yearns inside,
As you dive in,
Touch,
And are warmed,
By the texture of soul.