Giant Voices - An Occassional Blog About the Unique Folks That Make Baltimore SO Baltimore

I heard him before I saw him.  A beautiful baritone singing operatically somewhere between the dairy case and the deli counter.  It was early - not yet 9 - and I, like most of the other shoppers at the York Road Giant, was rushing to get a few things I'd need for lunch and later, dinner.  But, that voice slowed me down, made me curious.  Who is it that is so filled with joy that he sings so beautifully so early and amidst the hustle and bustle of a Tuesday morning?

As I pushed my cart forward I was able to see the voice's owner.  There he stood at the deli counter - diminutive, not at all large, aged, not at all youthful. In contrast to his large voice, he stood barely five feet tall.  I watched as he ordered a pound of something, then sang while it was dished up.  He stopped singing long enough to order another something, then continued his beautiful singing.

More in awe than star struck, I couldn't help applauding when he stopped singing.  Other shoppers did too.  "Only in Baltimore would this happen!", I thought.  It was a sweet moment that made us all slow down and show appreciation for pure talent shared in a most unexpected place and time. 

As I continued my shopping I spotted him again, this time at the front of the store, as he was checking out.  I started to approach him to inquire about his name, his background, whether he performed professionaly, etc., etc., etc.  Ultimately, though, I decided to leave all of those questions unanswered.  Anonymity seemed such a perfect part of his unexpected gift. 

And you know...sometimes...only a perfect stranger can make us stop taking ourselves and our lives so seriously.  He had done just that and I decided to leave it at that.  A lovely gift, given unknowingly, at the start of a short but full week. I'm glad I slowed down.