HARLEM BLUES AND SILK

There was a Bishop who lived in Harlem on 33rd and 4th st.His house stood on the peek at the ridge and there he would see people pass on their way to the Market only to return later with little or nothing.Each day he saw their plight day in and night. They would return with their eyes cast down into the shadows, with little or no food for themselves or their children.One day the Bishop journeyed to a fabric store and bought the finest piece of raw silk he could find. Tattered and frilled at the edges with lose threads of gold and orange frayed at the end but when held up to the glare of the sun, glistened brightly.Wrapping up the fabric for him to carry on his shoulder, he promptly returned home.On returning, he placed the cloth like a mat outside his door.When the people passed by their eyes turned away from the shadows to gaze upon the glimmering cloth.Then broad smiles replaced darkened eyes as they feasted on the piece.