The Exhibitionist

I call him The Exhibitionist.  He is over six feet tall and dark as an African coffee bean.  His body - tight, toned and ripped - is all I have ever seen of him.  I could not identify his face in a police line-up despite the fact that I have seen him almost ten times. I am always too mesmerized by his well-defined body.  If I had to place him in a division, I would choose middleweight.  His body is not compact with sinewy muscles nor is it hulking with overwhelming bulge and unnecessary mass.  No.  He has exercised just enough but not too much. And I know for a fact that he exercises because that is all I have ever seen him do.  And yet, I have never seen him in a gym. 

Only in New York will you find an exhibitionist with the body of a Greek god who pops up spontaneously at subway stations across this great city toning his already impressive pecs.  He does push-ups silently as though he is alone in a room.  He hangs from a directional sign and lifts his body countless times to the amazement of passersby.  I watch the commuters as they notice him for the first time.  The looks are predictable based on gender.  Men look at him disdainfully, their faces scream "Show off!"  Their eyes turn green with envy.  Women are an odd lot.  They stare at him appreciatively, yet, none crack a smile.  Instead, their lips part into a perfect O shape and their eyes -  filled with longing - take a slow wishful joy ride along his rock hard physique.  I, too, crane my neck for a better glimpse.  All that is visible to me are his black tank top, black jeans, black sneakers and muscles. Now that I think about it...I hope never to see his face.  I enjoy the mystery.  Besides, I don't use my imagination enough. 

I hop on the number three, my day a little brighter.  Rarely are my eyes treated to such candy.  As the train pulls away, I consider what kind of man exercies at subway stations clearly making a spectacle of himself.  Is he crazy?  I have decided that he is the type of man who craves attention and he is brave enough to go out and get it.  And as far as I am concerned, the world is a better place because of it.