In this
neck of the woods, you see Julius Lester here and there. Often, I catch sight
of him, at our local Amherst library. 76 years old, he's of interest both
because of his volume of work as a writer, and as a vocal African-American
convert to Judaism,
But also because like any creative person, he's well-known. And because of his creations, we have this peripheral sense of who he is. What he has thought and laid out, in his own words.
For many years, he taught at the University of Massachusetts Afrio-American department . when Afro am was a new term. He was there, for all of that.
For now, there's this funny additional edge of things. When we're 63, like myself, or a little older or younger, we start taking note of those older than us. Because there are many surprises, twists and turns to encounter in life, if we are lucky enough to be here long enough.
And if I've learned anything, it's that there is much to learn from those further down the path from us.
Around here is not Hollywood. We don't have reams of famous people, but there are some well-known people who have created significant things. And he is one of them.
So yes, we catch sight of him again, but he's going about his life at age 76. I'm leaving Stop & Shop, there is a person in front of me with a wide brim leather hat, black T-shirt, tan jeans, pushing a cart, and I know right away it's him.
I'm thinking so many things, that he probably doesn't need to hear. And what I've read of his remarks, for various contentious events locally. Interviews with him, when he was about to publish something. And his work,. All of which I have great delight and admiration for.
So yes, I surreptitiously watch him push his cart over to a new Volvo wagon, unload things, and look around for where to leave the car.
I smile to myself, slipping into my own car. Thinking with affection about his long unknown life, all the things that instigated and inspired. His creations.
As off he goes, into his life; and I, into mine.
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