How did I forget?
How much fun Manhattan could be?
Wandering the streets of Soho?
Broom, Lafayette, Canal?
Hopping the C train to the theater district?
Marching to Columbus Circle?
Plunging into Central Park?
Paddling through waves of humanity?
So rhythmic, I float through them.
Without effort.
Horses and buggies, bicyclists, joggers.
Family caravans.
Meeting up with friends, lovers.
Like I, with cousins.
Exiting the park to jump on a D.
Down to Chinatown for Thai dinner.
Then strolling from bakery to bakery.
Picking up sweet treats.
Lafayette Café, Levain, Ferrara’s.
Bundling booty to take back for tea
in the lounge on the 21st floor.
With views of Manhattan at dusk
on the patio right through the door.
Lynn Benjamin
April 8, 2024
