A Small Surprise

On my morning walk, which is
Adjacent to the river,
A small surprise is sometimes what
The city does deliver.

So yesterday, I heard a thump,
Metallic, so I slowed,
Expecting that a hubcap flew
From somewhere on the road.

Instead, I saw a sewer cover
Quaking as it rose
And crashed back down above a spot
Where the East River flows.

Thought number 1: a creature
Would be rising from the deep
And then his scaly self into
My neighborhood would creep.

Thought number 2: a prisoner
(Like “Shawshank”) would break free
Because from Rikers Island
There’s a chance that it could be.

Thought number 3: the river (high)
Would suddenly erupt
And shoot that cover skyward
In a manner most abrupt.

In any case, I hurried on
Without a backward glance,
Not willing, having had those thoughts,
To take the slightest chance.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
May 18, 2024 at 8:58 PM
Hahahaha! Did you ever find out what it was?! I'm really curious. Perhaps it was a 1,000-year-old genie?! Yeah, sure... In Manhattan... ~ Imogene Nation Kapp
Bauer Avatar
May 20, 2024 at 2:20 PM
It will remain a mystery, Gershon! I had no way to find out what was lurking and I'm probably better off not knowing!
Rigoler Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 10:59 PM
You're a courageous lady, Ilene. Who knows what lurks about in those New York City sewers? / Maurice
Bauer Avatar
May 20, 2024 at 2:21 PM
Ha! Who knows, indeed, Maurice!
Dietrich Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 1:14 PM
Is this a true story? So creepy. I wonder if I'd have gone for a look!!! haha Enjoyed this one, Ilene
Bauer Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 1:41 PM
Cross my heart! You never know what you’ll see in the city. Thanks for stopping by, Andrea!
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