By Dan Elijah Vazquez

It was winter in Newark. My hometown. My prison. My bully. You could even say ‘my lover’ of sorts. Or my covert enemy (most likely). I was walking on Broad St. before they changed its name. I was 27 years old. My father was alive. Barely. And I was on my way to therapy. A bright and cold school day. Two African American women walked ahead of me with a little boy between them, his Spider-Man backpack nearly hiding all of him. 

They were walking at a slower pace than me. And they were in my way. So I walked a little faster to make my way around them. As I passed, whim took over. I turned back to the little boy and thrust my hand out, pretending to shoot out some imaginary web,

“Good morning, Spider-Man!”

For a moment, the boy was stunned. But the women almost instantly gave me two big smiles and laughed.

“Thank you!” 

Then his eyes opened wide and he smiled too. Maybe he’ll remember this exchange for the rest of his life. Or it will be lost to the countless unremembered hours of youth. But I won’t forget this moment. Because I heard what was said. And I know who was speaking. 

It was like seeing my reflection in a mirror for the very first time. And discovering exactly who I am. I am the guy who says, with a wink and a tip of his cap, “Good morning, Spider-Man” to the little boy on his way to school. Hopeful. Discreet. Childish. 

Yes, I was sent here to nudge us gently into Paradise. 

What better place to start than Newark, New Jersey? The former puritan outpost. Later, the car- theft capital of the world. A place that has seen righteous, bloody rebellion. And knows poverty better than it knows wealth. Toxicity better than it does health. Prayers offered in desperation better than plans constructed in careful deliberation. Possessing a stubborn, humble grit in lieu of surrender. Yes. Serendipity—otherwise known as God in disguise—has stationed me here in Brick City, to make things more interesting. To make the most of the plot—Good morning, Spider-Man!

Yes, I’m talking to you.

Dan Elijah Vazquez works as a laborer for Essex County Park System in Newark’s Ironbound district, maintaining the shared public spaces where he enjoyed the best days of his formative years. On the weekends he attends Mass, and plays soccer in New York. His mom and dad were both educators in the city of Newark. He can be contacted via email at danelijahvazquez@gmail.com