Crossing Over From Greenpoint
by Michael Doyle

My crossing over from Greenpoint into the city
Every day was had via subway and was not pretty
And it was different for a Californian man
Yet, there was no other way into Manhattan

At least, not that made any kind of particular sense
Waking up that first day at dawn and without pretense
I began a pattern of photographing from morning until night
Starting with the crack of the morning's earliest light

Somehow, I managed to photograph NYC's every borough
I was following the guidebooks until I got to know
New York City well enough that the locals would ask
How to get to some places best, and what was my daily task

Though I have to admit, I remember a danceable anxiety
In learning the transit system in all of its complexity
And some walks seemed to go on forever at that time
But these mistakes let me discover moments of the sublime

Of all the cities, one finds the best food after midnight
Guided as I was by the city's buzz and amazing neon lights
Fruit stuffed breast of duck at 2 am and for under six
And a nature reserve or two hidden in the city's sticks

I told myself I was there to visit a friend in the hospital
And I did that, but the city was inviting and hospitable
I made the most of it that I could, even riding the ferry
Instead of unfriendliness, I made friends to the contrary

Finding that The Bronx Zoo and Central Park were just two
Of the sights that brought perspective and gave a view
That held memories like horse-drawn carriages to ride
And the joy of finding open hearts to which I did confide

The joy of crossing over from Greenpoint to St. John's morning
There were points like Little Odessa that bore its warning
But Coney Island and its hot dogs were a Sunday sort of treat
And did I mention the warm-hearted people I managed to meet?

And maybe it is true that remembering can find a way to lie
But looking back, I do not even begin to question as to why
Some of these memories of wandering will always be a treat
And did I mention the warm-hearted people I managed to meet?

(c) December 16, 2024    Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved