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