Heart Hustle

When was the last time you saw a man running at top speed down a sidewalk with flowers in hand? Never, you say? Well, me either, until today. The influx of roses this week to the city's street corner markets beamed shades of red into the gray wintry streets - a blaring red siren, if you will, to alert one and all that Valentine's Day is here. Judging by the cellophane-wrapped bouquets cradled in many a man's arm as he walked home - New York City suitors had taken notice.

So with Valentine love abundantly in the air, the sight of this particular man with flowers in hand should not have been so startling. But his exuberance, his determination, his desire to get those flowers to his intended recipient was so strong, so obvious that he was running as fast as he could down the sidewalk.  I half expected to see him leap over a garbage can and clear the gate like a hurdle as he bound toward the front door of the apartment building.  Surely his motivation was the loving smile and happy eyes that awaited him.  If only all men could have such - breathless? - dedication. 

If only all men were the 1-800-flowers delivery guy...