He Toured Manhattan
Posted: Friday, November 06, 2009
by David Pekrul
She told him to come and to give it a try,
He told her, "Dear Aunty, I cannot see why,
You love this big city with skyscrapers high,
This place called 'Big Apple', the pie-in-the-sky."
"Please, come before New Year's and see how it feels,
I think you will like all the ways it appeals,
With Christmas tree shopping and Christmas Day meals,
I'll show you a place that is very surreal.
He came as she asked and was given the tour,
But as they got started, he still wasn't sure,
For in this big city he felt insecure,
She tried to persuade him and tried to assure.
He saw Lincoln Center and then Central Park,
He saw it by daylight and not after dark,
When stalkers and perverts would often embark,
"Let's leave before sunset", she heard him remark.
The Empire Building was really too high,
He wanted to see it and really did try,
But on the way up there, he started to cry,
Afraid of its height, as it loomed in the sky.
The Statue of Liberty, standing so proud,
Her flame pointing skyward above a large crowd,
A place for the needy is what she had vowed,
He felt very humble and kept his head bowed.
She took him through Harlem and then into Queens,
And travelled through boroughs, both there and between,
He shopped in their markets and ate their cuisine,
And started to like this American scene.
And just before New Year's in Gramercy Park,
With Christmas lights glowing, it never got dark,
"I think this is pretty", she heard him remark,
And then in his eyes she detected a spark.
And now he is glad that he entered this town,
And toured Manhattan and boroughs around,
He learned from this city, so old and renowned,
That life is exciting wherever it's found.
Hi David. Wow. This poem is beautiful! Every place mentioned in your poem, I am very familiar. Central Park is just two blocks from where I used to live. I lived in Manhattan for 27 years and your poem brought me back to my neighborhood. Thank you for sharing this well-written poem. Welcome back.Great profile photo you have there. Best regards, ~Nenita~Thanks, Nenita.I love NYC. I've only been there twice, but fell in love with it the very first time.Glad you like my new picture.
Hi David, your article surprised me. It is so nicely written. For me I had only been to Manhattan few times during my last visit to the US and the few places you mentioned. The WTC is gone forever sadly.Great article!HildaThanks for commenting, Hilda.The last time I was in Manhattan, was to go to see some Broadway Shows. I'd love to go back again.
I have never been but your piece brought it alive. thanks for sharing this piece! MarijoYou've got to go, Marijo. I was really apprehensive the first time, but my wife even had me riding the subways before long. It is a wonderful place.BTW - quite a change in your photo here - you looked more relaxed in the older one??? Or are you the kind of guy who can be relaxed in a suit and tie?The first picture was taken just after I retired from the airline industry. My new picture was taken for my new business profile as a Funeral Attendant. I would rather not wear a suit and tie, but it comes with the job. I find my new job quite enjoyable and fulfilling, so in that regard I guess I'm fairly relaxed.
hi david,this is really good. everything flows perfectly.and it tells a cool story. thanks for sharing it,my best,sueAnd thanks for reading, Susan. If you haven't visited NYC, you should make a point of doing so.
