Grave and sudden the feeling
hurrying in morning
no time for contemplation
Past Bed-Stuy and Flushing,
my tiny silver car pushing against
the layers of time
and youth evaporates
with every minute.
But unconcerned for the fleeting,
I mention these things to myself
that there's too little
money and time
to love and enjoy.
And the car swoops below a fountain
and life is given to tunnels and bridges.
Beyond are mountains and gorges,
behind are small dank apartments and ex-lovers.
And during the day I breathe and dream
about the moment, when work is over
and I can rush towards the vacant room,
and leave again, into those mountains
I had exchanged as a youth for heavy streets and giant cities.
September 19, 2008, New York City, JFK Airport
