Bragging Rights Hearing Sidney Poitier @ 92Y

When Sidney Poitier (or as I like to call him:  Mr. Tibbs) came onto the stage, he shuffled slowly to the podium.  He looked as dapper & charming as ever.  "Good evening everyone, you're probably thinking he looks a lot older than I thought."  A lady yelled out, "You're looking just fine to me!"  We all shared a laugh including Mr. Poitier.  At 86, he does look older than the handsome leading man who  has  portrayed countless dignified and righteous men throughout his barrier breaking career. Most recently, Poitier played Pres. Mandela on film.  His sonorous eloqution made clear we were in the presence of a living legend.  He shared his life with us from his birth we were  with him for the ride of a an incredible life.  His premature birth left his parents fearing the worst. His mother seeking solace, took him in her arms to a soothsayer who said, "You do not need to worry about him.  He will thrive & prosper.  He will journey all the corners of the world & walk among Kings."  Mr. Poitier gave us snippets of his auspicious life from its humble beginnings in the Bahamas to his trevails as an illiterate teen alone in  NYC with $3 to his name.  He spoke with admiration for the waiter where he worked as a dishwasher, selflessly spent months teaching him to read. He acknowledge remorse at not having found this man or his arresting officer (for vagrancy) who steered him to an orphanage,  to pay gratitude.  Philanthropy, strength of character, hard work & maintaining a curious mind were the keypoints of his talk.  Mr. Poitier - it was an honor to be in the audience.  You had me at good evening and you inspired me to be a  better human being.