Home » Poems » Matthew Anish » Once More - the Lower East Side

Once More - the Lower East Side

I live on the fabled 
   Lower East Side 
Spanish people hanging out 
  and playing dominoes for money 
Children playing ball 
   in the schoolyard 
  An Orthodox man 
complete with black hat 
   ambles past the House of Sages 
A young Chinese couple 
   passes by 
They look like they are in love 
From my apartment I see 
    light from other apartments 
where the people in those apartments 
are living the Lower East Side lifestyle 
  As I ride on the bus 
I note people crossing themselves 
     when they pass the Roman Catholic church
I hear music coming from car stereos 
    In the park squirrels scurry up trees
  A small sparrow 
stops momentarily 
   to eat a piece of food 
   then flies off into 
one of the trees 
   which is growing in the park 
in this most urban of neighborhoods

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Monterey Sirak

Date: 8/4/2014 7:31:00 AM

Such vivid descriptions of what seems to be a fascinating place. There is obviously no shortage of inspiration for your poetry.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/3/2014 5:57:00 PM

Hi, there, Matt. thanks for seeing my poem today and I hope you are having a lovely Sunday.

Jslambert Mister Roboto

Date: 8/2/2014 12:57:00 PM

Like my man Adam Yauch sang, "Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten, From the Battery, to the top of Manhattan, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin, Black White...NEW YORK WE MAKE IT HAPPEN!~I Rate this a HOTT 9-7....ok, just a SEVEN! That's for 5 Botoughs one PHAT POEM, and One Good Poet, that's S E V E N.

Jslambert Mister Roboto

Date: 8/2/2014 12:50:00 PM

Keep it Thorough in the Boroughs Bro! Upper West, Lower East side, Like my Man Edward R. Morrow said, where your from doesn't make the man, it's your plan on the ride. Whether it's the L, or the #10 bus, Chelsea or Fulton St. Keep yir eyes wide & keep it movin like the shoes on your feet...that part's witten by M.E.....Hey also, You really nailed my poem Ocutopus brother, EXACTLY. So nice ta' meet chya, like ta treat ya to a Bagel, some Knish, gnip gnops and a slice a' pizza, Sorry bout Rhymin!

Kelly Deschler

Date: 8/1/2014 12:34:00 AM

Your neighborhood sounds like a peaceful place, where many people from different backgrounds can live together without conflict.... This is a really nice write, Matthew. I have never been to NYC, so it's really enjoyable reading about it!

Daver Austin

Date: 7/31/2014 10:50:00 AM

I can connect. I also live inner city in one of the three most violent cities in the country - Saginaw MI. My street is lined by wonderful, tall old trees. I love my street and I love my house. This is my home and I am not afraid. Good stuff, Matt. Love,daver

Eileen Manassian

Date: 7/30/2014 6:13:00 AM

How fascinating. I loved your description of where you live. Now I can say, "Been to NYC Lower Ease Side!" Thanks. Really enjoyed it. :)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/30/2014 12:40:00 AM

gosh, I wish I knew more about NYC to place this in my mind. But yes, i have heard it mentioned all the time in movies and stuff. How large an area is it? And how does it compare in size and population to the other areas? Nice one to read!