by D Shapiro
Fernando is an old man (89) who sings personally at each table at Olemendi’s, a Mexican restaurant we frequent. He slowly approaches the table and each time we see him (for the past thirty years), we have to take a breath. It’s not our style. We like to be out in public (and then create a private aura around us).
Johanna’s comment: A really touching story, about the singer, and about the writer – and his growth in kindness and self-awareness. I love the old man thinking his purpose was to sing – and your purpose was to listen (kindly, and maybe with one or two degrees more kindness than initially mustered). This story is a perfect example of creative nonfiction.