Just thought our readership would enjoy some of the responses to a recent post entitled Subway Chanteuse.

As a fellow new-yorker, i’m right there with you on the train, peter. i’m sure i’ve seen that woman, or someone like her, many times, and like most of my fellow subway riders, have, in most cases, chosen to look away. after reading your moving account, i realize now that the reason people do things like that is because they are reaching out for recognition, and love. perhaps we are embarrassed to look at them because these folks remind us so much of ourselves. we may express it in a more “socially acceptable” manner, or hide behind a sophisticated demeanor, but bottom line is, we are all hungry for the same.

Thanx for sharing your experience. next time a fellow traveler reaches out, instead of turning them away, i will remember to let the heart respond.
—  Sally D. House

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Thank you, Peter, for sharing the amazing grace of this moment. — Carol Phillips

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My word…really moving Peter.  I have over the years as a musician and then also as a human being been very critical of other music that doesn’t “do it for me “….but I have learnt to appreciate others so much more….particularly in such a situation you found yourself in. it’s so easy to turn away….but it doesn’t take much just to open one’s heart and just listen….and you never know how it will affect you and how it will affect the one you are listening to, too.

Quite moving and a lesson for us all !!  —  Andrew D. Brewis

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What a beautiful story and experience you share.

On my subway ride this morning I struggled to hold back tears after reading it. I thought what a blessing you received that day.  I thought what blessing we receive when we stay with life, with integrity and when honoring the moment.  How wonderful that you also had the opportunity to speak with the other gentleman who silently partnered with you that day to help and honor that women.

Each day the news lies before us: carnage, mayhem and destruction. What a relief to read this blog and to know that there are still human beings that exist among us. In my everyday co-existence with many of the people I encounter, I have been shocked and deeply bewildered at the lack of human awareness we bear one another.

Amazing that even on a jury duty day which we all would want to avoid, life had hidden, for you, in its folds such an unexpected and amazing slice of itself!  I hope for that women, like “Job” in the Bible, that she will be restored and blessed for being the blessing she was that day, just by having the courage to be herself. Also, I applaud you for having the courage to be there for her and for you!

I thought to myself, “Oh how Beautiful”, as the tears rolled down my face this morning and as my heart was renewed.  —  Jenny Burton

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Peter, you gave that woman something far more valuable than money. You gave her acknowledgment.  —  Carol Jay

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This is a beautiful story, Peter. One that says so much about the quality of presence that you bring to everything… I have had the privilege to witness it first hand every time I met you — “meeting” always taking its deepest meaning, when it is with you — and especially when you recorded the soundtrack for Drawn Home, last year.

You truly are an exceptional artist and human being, and I feel very honored and privileged to know you.

Much love, Michel Chevalier

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Loved the story about the Subway Chanteuse. Thanks for turning that experience into an opportunity to let spiritual affection cut through appearances and shine for a fellow member of the human race, and then sharing it in such a way that brings home the beauty of unselfish caring. I’m sure everyone who reads this story will think of it again and be inspired.

Nice work!

Best, Julie Mahler

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Thank you to all who responded to this article. – Peter

For more inspirational music, thoughts and ideas from Peter Link,
please visit Watchfire Music.