Thursday, April 30, 2015

Manhattan Love Song


for Barry Meisenheimer


I loved you when you were a dirty mess—
   The streets I couldn’t walk down after dark;
The thick graffiti on the 2 Express;
   Needles like fallen leaves in Bryant Park.
I loved you when you were a burnt-out car—
   An outdoor Lower East Side barbecue;
The swanky hookers at the Hilton bar;
   The skanky hookers on Tenth Avenue.
I loved you when you never slept a wink.
   I loved you when you were our culture’s nest.
I loved it when you pushed me to the brink.
   I loved you when to love you was a quest.
      And though you’ve changed so much it makes me ill,
      Those are the reasons why I love you still.

 

Copyright 2015 Matthew J Wells

 

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