We walk talking the whole way
from the west side to the east
then downtown and across the bridge
there is nothing we don't say
how love is a convenience
it is convenient to say "I love you" before hanging up the phone
have a nice day, hi how are you?
the Metropolitan is pay as you wish
but the girl behind the counter still sneers at my two dollars
I used to go there for the air conditioning and the sphinx
used to buy my produce on 86th and Broadway
and when I couldn't buy food I sat near any statue
just to feel close to someone
Was it a prophecy?
that women stay silent for fear their teeth will shatter
that boys jump off the George Washington
because of the way they love
love, the great emancipator fallen on its own sword.
while the slow mechanics of day and night grind
powered by ancient calcified frustrations
they say the ice caps are melting
will it drown out this sorrow?
Sorrow knows the breast stroke
All these Brooklyn girls
with capsized perfume bottles and torn stockings
and dresses wilted on bedroom floors, dying to be freed
I have my armor, my headphones, my book
I need not look at any of you
a homeless man riding the subway singing "Hallelujah"
we all turn our heads and don't dare to breathe
he steals us and haunts us, we don't give him a cent
Pipes and needles, crushed adderall and K
basement shows and warehouse raves
just one night to feel like someone else
because drugs transform you, seduce you
they're all we know of love
Hallelujah
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