New York City


New York City, garbage goddess,
Queens and Brooklyn lie like lovers.
Every morning, feel them enter,
feel the trains in trembling tunnels.

Skyıs so hazy that you reach for,
clouds donıt care about your courage,
blind and useless sky. You want it.
Every facet of desire
fits into some midnight window
where it sparkles, where it sharpens
on the stone of some young traveler.
He doesnıt know, she doesnıt know you,
but those who do have less to give you.
Mother metal, empire,
eight million, ten million,
beyond knowing, after caring,
still you sit there, dying, growing.
New York City, how I love you,
though you taught me never to love.
You also taught me
break the rules.
Tear it down. Donıt bend for beauty.
Donıt take a step except for forward.
Donıt cover your mouth while coughing.
Talk to yourself and keep on walking.

Never hold me, New York City.
Grab me. Push me. Yes, youıve touched me,
but you never put your arms around me.
Always, always, you set me free.


Donald Zirilli
1998