Iran
He had the kindest eyes I’ve ever seen. They were all I could see as I sat in the back of his cab tonight. Normally I tap away on my phone during cab rides, hoping to avoid the typical awkward conversation that comes with the territory. But he was different. I couldn’t see his face, but his eyes gave away his smiles. The slope and the crinkle in the corners as he spoke.
He began.
“So do you prefer yesterday’s weather or today’s?”
It was 98 degrees yesterday, and it’s 52 degrees right now. I had just come from having drinks in a bar that still had the A/C on, so I was shivering.
“Honestly? I think I can deal with the cold better than the heat, but the 40 degree drop is more than even I can handle.”
“I agree,” he said. “Normally I don’t mind the cool weather, but this is just too much of a shift. Lake Shore Drive okay?”
“How’s the construction?”
“Done for the night.”
“Great.”
We didn’t talk for a while, but every so often, I would try to catch a glimpse of his face. All I could see were his eyes, though.
“You live near the mayor,” he said.
“Oh, you mean our old governor?”
“No. The new mayor. Emanuel. He lives right near here.”
“Really? He’s up here, too? I didn’t know that.”
“Yes. Right on this block, or maybe one over.”
I tried to gauge how old he was. Sixty, maybe?
“I’m from Iran. There, corruption is everywhere. But you know what? It costs much more to corrupt people in Iran. It doesn’t cost much to corrupt in America.”
“How long have you lived in Chicago?”
“Since 1976.”
“Then you’ve seen a lot of corruption.”
“I have.”
His eyes smiled.
“Once, when he was Senator, I had Obama in my cab.”
“Really? Did he tip well?”
“You know, I don’t remember.”
Smile.
“You’ll turn right at this light.”
“Okay.”
He pulled away before I could get a good look at his face.
Filed under: General on June 9th, 2011
June 9th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
He’s right, y’know. We’re pretty cheap, generally speaking. A real bargain!
Cab drivers know stuff.
June 10th, 2011 at 12:34 am
Lovely rhythm.
I wanna see the eyes.
June 10th, 2011 at 2:00 am
You are seriously one of my favorite reads.
I love your stories.
June 10th, 2011 at 9:25 am
cab drivers fascinate me
June 10th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Kind of a scary thought, that it’s easier to corrupt some one in the US than it is in Iran.
Sure missed you, Jenny. Glad you’re back.
June 10th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Missed your posts, nice to see you back.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Great post. Loved it.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
sir: we all have our price. mine is lower than most.
don: thank you! and they were nice eyes, that’s for sure.
sarah: you are too kind, missy! thanks!
hello haha narf: i totally agree!
vahid: if i had known we were so easily corruptible, i would’ve tried bribing people years ago! and thanks – i missed you guys, too.
sizzle: thanks very much – it feels good to be back! hope i don’t get distracted again…
stacey: thank you!
June 10th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Very nice to see you about! I’ve met some cool people from Iran here too. My favorite hairdresser in LA, possibly anywhere. Also Shohreh Aghdashloo, who was a treat to work with and who I’m delighted to see working on bigger and better tv & film over the years. Actually there were a lot of people from Iran on that film: most nice and 1 jerk.
I hope you’ll stick around for a while this time. I’ve missed your posts.
June 16th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I’m not going to make any big moves or speak too loudly…..lovely story, lovely read you again.
June 16th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Corruption, in some form or other, is endemic in most countries. It’s a terrible shame but it’s true. He had had Obama in his cab? Wow.
Your description of the driver was poignant and lovely.
June 30th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Lovely, Jenny….I have missed reading your blog but – honestly? – I think I miss you more.
July 20th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Nice vignette.
Now, I have not waited 90 days to comment. I’m doing MY part . . .
August 2nd, 2011 at 10:11 am
He’s no fool; someday he’ll be talking about that one time when RunJenRun was in his cab and he got to talk with her.
Hi Jenny. I’ve missed you.