Union SquareA bum recites absurdist poetry
to passersby and collects change
in a fake Burberry cap while I
slowly sip my Sunday morning
and shop for open air jalapeños,
mushrooms and cilantro.
Paint bucket drummers provide
a steady backbeat as the weekend
consumers come out to worship
and the church crowd is released
from weekly servitude.
Across the square, a painter discusses
politics with a jewelry maker
and a guy in a Gumby t-shirt.
As the sun plays peak-a-boo
with the masts of Mannahatta,
I wonder how long the fresh cut roses
will last if I decide to splurge.
A toddler pilots a stroller down the sidewalk,
parents in tow, while four teens knee and kick
an innocent bean bag back and forth
above the ghosts of potter’s field.
The voice of the city is clear this morning
and it sings to me; a medley of ballads,
seductive love songs and, of course,
a full complement of the blues.
SMG
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22 comments:
wicked little piecce here you had me right there with you...love all the textures you give the surroundings and the people...nice one shot...
It's obvious in most of your writing just how much you adore your City. Love reading about it!
Seems as if one could Google-zoom in on the scene to witness the many descriptions among the emphasis of sound, including a skyscraper of an American poetic influence in an echo of Whitman.
You've really captured the funk of Union Square. One of the best pieces I've read by you, nice job.
ah yes - i hear the blues in this steven..
Very well written observational piece
while I slowly sip my Sunday morning - just delicious
mmmm - The City. cant wait to visit her.(2 weeks) So full of life and color that you capture so well my friend
Moonie smiles
So many great lines here, "slowly sip my Sunday morning," and "the church crowd is released from weekly servitude."
I feel like I'm there, too :)
I love the pictures you paint!
It's so refreshing to read a piece about a city, especially NYC, that features the full palate of senses, a feel for it's setting and its good people and not one gratuitous slam of the grind and grit of urban life. This was a joy to read and experience over and over. Thank you.
Not long until I'm there. We're not staying too far away. Well a mile, but what's that in the city. I've never seen union square as you describe it but that's a different story, but Washington square was that sort of scene when I last was there. I love the village too. Wish I'd made it when I was young and single. Well better late than never.
Thanks for the Sunday capture!
all this and a full complement of blues...all the life in this poem - the city has so much to offer...nice work Steven...bkm
I really enjoyed this one... very interesting and descriptive verse... thanks for sharing...
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com/2011/03/whispers-love-and-insignificance.html
Connect me at Twitter @VerseEveryDay
Brilliant picture, full of detail and great observations - loved it
You, sir, are the real deal...
Excellent.
Here's the beauty of this piece...never been there, but now feel I have been. Great job! Vb
Nice! I have never been but feel like I have since reading your piece. Your love of your city is evident in the detail and imagery you have penned so perfectly.
My other favorite NY Square--no, I like them all! But here at Union Square, I relish the unexpected--once a modern ballet with bodies of tanned gods within a finger's touch! Or a glance from Mel Gibson, slowing down to ogle at the skyline in his red Ferraro by Barnes and Noble. The fat organic breads and spiced apple cider in the fall markets...the skittering leaves on damp steps on a dark November sky. But this is your poetry,your blues, and I love how capture the feel I so miss. Thank you so much, Steven!
this is gorgeous gorgeous writing...vivid scenes and so in your face...love it
Urbanality at its best!
Go man, go!
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