Focus on the Light

I found this on the 63rd and Lexington stop of the F train. Though I was running a bit late, this made me stop. I'd honestly like to take the time to thank the person who committed this act of vandalism. It has to be one of my favorite and one of the most meaningful things I've seen on the MTA.

The "Focus on the Light" wall writing only took an empty subway staircase and a marker. It reminds me of a poem by Dylan Thomas. It's a bit scary, harrowing, yet amazingly beautiful. Any poetry buffs or fans of the amazing film "Interstellar" will understand why this poem can be so powerful.

Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night 

Dylan Thomas, 1914 - 1953
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

"Rage, rage against the dying of the light." - Dylan Thomas #wallprophecies #dontgivein

A photo posted by @anga_mercado on Jun 5, 2015 at 6:33pm PDT

If you'd like a me to repost or write about a quote you wrote or posted online, just tag #wallprophecies, or tag me in the picture @AngelyMercado (twitter) or @anga_mercado (instagram) and I'll give it a look.
Until then!

MTA

This is honestly not the first MTA inspired "vandalism" that I've seen in recent weeks. Just this year, the single ride swipes went from $2.50 to $2.75, even after various people testified at a hearing late last year regarding the burden a fare hike would have on various communities.

As per usual, the board went ahead and raised the fares. But while the price continues to swell, the number of regular delays and incidents involving the subway increase as well. The vandalism is somewhat understandable, but it would be more justified if it were in conjunction to an organized action to stabilize prices or stop any future hikes.

Now if only there were wall posts on the current housing crisis that has caused a record high homeless rate, or the fact that the Mr. Softee used to sell his addictive cones at only $1 each. If only.

#MTA you may want to do something about these current rates and omnipresent delays before there's a rider mutiny on your hands. #wakeup #wallprophecies

A photo posted by @anga_mercado on May 8, 2015 at 11:05am PDT

 On the bright side, we might revert back to the days when the subway was edgy, and tagged up all over the place, yet was more likely to make it on time and actually work 24 hrs like it was supposed to. Those were the good days, when only two doors opened, yet the L didn't shut down halfway to Manhattan. If only.

As usual, tag me or tag your pictures with #wallprophecies if you find anything cool. I'll check it out real soon.

#wallprophecies: how it works

Hello there word lovers!

I have always been captivated by writings on walls. Especially in hallways and bathroom stalls. Nothing says "I should write poetry on a wall" like a random person sitting on a toilet in a stall.

I can't help but try to wrap my mind around some of the hilarious or even thoughtful things that are often written on walls, or even scratched on different surfaces.

If you find anything cool, post it as a comment below or follow the instructions below on my embedded post. Can't wait to see your strange finds.

-A

People write profound, or dumb, or moving things on walls. I don't know why we're compelled to do so, but the results are fascinating. If you find anything cool on a wall (or any other object) please tag in with #wallprophecies I'll repost my favorites by the end of each week. It can literally be anything interesting. The weirder, the better. #thots #wallwriting #nyc #subway

A photo posted by @anga_mercado on Apr 26, 2015 at 6:12pm PDT