Spent the weekend in NYC with Kelly--her early birthday gift to me. What a trip! In only two days it is difficult to get more than just a bite of the big apple, but we did our best to enjoy it. We walked all over lower Manhattan. We explored China Town and ventured into the Financial District. We purchased food from street vendors. We saw the Stock Exchange. We visited the 911 Memorial Sites--and had mixed, powerful emotions. We held hands, and at times, our breath. (Sorry....the street vendors smell good to me, but the sewer vents and general congestion, not so much). We ascended to the top of the Empire State Building. At a thousand feet we let the cool breeze fall in love with us. From the Hudson River, we saw Her Majesty, The Statue of Liberty. We attended a performance at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. I had a chance to share a poem in front of an iconic brick wall and under the faces of six profound predecessors. We spent a day on Governors Island, laying on a blanket, listening to the poets and musicians who blessed the NYC Poetry Festival. We were artists, we were tourists, we were lovers. On the way home we picknicked at the Delaware Water Gap and stopped by one of Kellys old stomping grounds: Lake Scranton. One memorable moment was when it started raining, just as the 2nd Ring of Daisies open-mic was scheduled to begin at the NYCPF. After most people instantaneously abandoned the scene, Kelly and I were the only two people left standing under our umbrella, providing an audience for the only two readers who stayed behind to perform. With no microphone, under the persistent rain, they shared their gifts. They were young and excited. They werent gonna miss the chance to speak. I know the feeling. Heck, I still had the feeling. But as I get a little older, I cherish the opportunities I have to validate the courage and creativity of our well-meaning youth. In this upcoming 34th year, I vow to continue this trend, however I may do so. Thanks, Kelly. For everything. I love you :)
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 23:07:50 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015