Mayor Koch

New York’s lost an icon Who was in your face and brash. He always spoke his mind and thus, With many he did clash. A three-term mayor with a bridge That’s honored with his name, His trademark “How’m I doin?” Vaulted him to fame. He never lived in Gracie Mansion, Long a mayor’s goal, Instead remaining in his village pad, With rent control. Koch rarely wore a hat, but once, While in a winter storm, His pate, uncharacteristically, Was covered to be warm. Reporters teased him and he laughed, While pointing to his head, “This schmatte*? Yeah, it was a gift;” And that was just so Ed. To many, me included, He was New York quintessential. Perhaps his strong appeal Was rooted in the residential. I think New Yorkers, all of us, Will miss old Mayor Koch. The city won’t be quite the same Without him on his watch. *Yiddish for a rag or cheap piece of material