Thursday, December 7, 2017

December NYC 2017


The early morning bright sun slants across the platform
Illuminating the silent commuters waiting for the train
Such a throwback scene to set my thoughts wandering
Thinking of all the people who have stood here before.

The train ride is pleasantly smooth unlike the lurching bus
And so affordable these days since I get senior half fare
But in the quiet car the passengers announce their presence
Filling the air with constant coughs and sniffles.

Looking out the window at low tide in the meadowlands
Tracking past yellow marsh grass and black brown mud exposed
Natural curves of drainage streams bridged by steel angles
Crossing the wetlands where as yet open space remains.

Soon after we enter the dark nineteenth century tunnel
When the train clangs its warning bell waking the dream riders
Announcing our destination soon to be at the end of the line
Emerging to run on parallel tracks with our contemporary arrivals.

Everyone stands when the train finally stops, waiting our turn
To step into the flood of foot traffic leaving the station
Where I split off to take a moment to admire the waiting room
And take a quick look at the changes to the Hoboken waterfront.

Gone is the giant Maxwell House neon sign by the factory
Seen like a beacon across the river in my Manhattan years
Replaced by upscale high rise residences and trendy night life
Drawing the weekend youth who turn this trip into a party train ride.

Not knowing what this new day will bring
Traveling from there to here transports me suspended
From then to now I return again to a different city
Belonging to the people who frequent the place today.

Standing still in the full PATH train under the river
Waiting to proceed in the morning rush congestion
Looking into the mostly young faces around me
Looking away if they look back.

Funneled in a mass to the Fourteenth Street station exit stairs
Percolating up slowly we merge and emerge
Greeted with the sounds and smells and sights of New York
Including a patina of red and orange leaves strewn underfoot.

In the middle of the sidewalk a large full suitcase
Left unattended in the cold raises a question
And a man stops by it and looks around wondering
What is the back story how this came to be here.

The cop directing traffic at Fifth Avenue is unaware
The security guard at the corner of University knows not
The traffic patrol car coming up University likewise
And there is no need to do anything.