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The Lovers of New York

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Published: 12th September 2021

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

This poem was placed 1st in the "A STRAND (1044)" contest sponsored by Brian Strand (Judged 30th January February 2022)

the rain that drowned the sidewalks dampened down the night-time heat creating steam through manholes from the pipes beneath the street and set against this backdrop of a vibrant city beat swarms of taxis stung the air with horns stuck on repeat as a writer sipping coffee staring from a café seat wrote words for her 'bestseller' based on when two people cheat.. "..married strangers and a storm.. arranged a covert meet.. ..ran towards each other in a way such lovers greet.. they kissed beneath umbrellas in a manner so discreet then stepped inside a restaurant to flirt, laugh, love and eat her big blue eyes melted his heart her smile was wide and sweet and he was rich, tall, cool and calm and swept her off her feet..." ...but before the lovers' story made it to another sheet the writer came to from her thoughts with the chapter incomplete her big blue eyes and sweet wide smile felt somewhat obsolete on the poor, tall, cool, calm waiter who brought change with her receipt.

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John Watt

Date: 6/26/2022 10:40:00 PM

Gary, I fully enjoyed reading and re-reading this tale of a romance writer incorporating her handsome waiter into her next novel. Love the story in a story aspect and your 16 (!) monorhymes is remarkable considering not one is a throwaway or feels forced. Your signature cadence is delightful to read out loud, and helps to propel the narrative... 32 lines felt more like 16. Also some really great and original city streets imagery, perfect for a rainy day romance in NYC. Terrific twist at the end too, reminiscent of some of O Henry's better stories. Great write ~ John

Gary Radice
Date: 6/27/2022 10:25:00 AM

Thanks John! There was a point in the poem that I didn't think I'd make it to the end but I got there. :) There's something about storms and cities that appeal to my muse. I wanted to incorporate the reflections of the traffic 'jumping' from one pane to another in the ground floor shop / office windows but didn't quite manage it. :) Always good to read your comments John. PS: I'm off to read some O Henry :) Cheers - Gary

George Yiorgos Stathakis

Date: 1/5/2022 8:38:00 AM

I love your poem Gary. It reminds me of Leonard Cohen’s poetry. Beautifully written! Congrats.

Gary Radice
Date: 1/5/2022 9:03:00 AM

Thank you George. That the poem reminds you of Leonard Cohen's style is fantastic praise indeed. In part, the poem was inspired by a 1964 film called 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' (Not to disimilar to the much more recent 'La La Land'.) I love the ideas of colour, the big city and rain coming together. Thanks again. Cheers - Gary

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 1/2/2022 7:50:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. Your "The Lovers Of New York" is a lovely story/write. Have a blessed day...................

Gary Radice
Date: 1/2/2022 10:32:00 AM

Thanks Paula. Have a great New Year Cheers - Gary

Janice Canerdy

Date: 1/2/2022 6:26:00 AM

I really enjoyed this GREAT narrative poem, Gary. The end made me laugh. Janice

Gary Radice
Date: 1/2/2022 10:33:00 AM

Hi Janice. Thanks so much for your comments and all the best for The New Year. Cheers - Gary

L. J. Carber

Date: 1/2/2022 5:48:00 AM

I like the imagery and evocation of a big city, and the ironic twist at the end is 'way cool'--congrats on your win, Gary

Gary Radice
Date: 1/2/2022 6:06:00 AM

Thanks L. J. There's something about a wet city scene that just cries out to be written about. Cheers - Gary

Christuraj Alex

Date: 10/20/2021 11:14:00 PM

It's a long beautiful story with a curiosity-provoking narration. Congratulations!

Gary Radice
Date: 10/21/2021 1:18:00 AM

Thank you Christuraj. One of the problems of writing a longer poem is that you hope readers will stick with it. The story is essential to allow this to happen and provoking - as you say - the reader's curiosity is key. I'm really grateful for your comments. Cheers - Gary

Jan Allison

Date: 10/20/2021 4:00:00 PM

what a wonderfully descriptive love story, the imagery and characterisation was excellent, the final stanza made me smile as we had a meal out and they failed to bring the change, took 3 attempts to get the change right - will never go back for many many reasons:-( hugs jan xx

Gary Radice
Date: 10/21/2021 1:15:00 AM

Thank you Jan! Don't get me started on meals out. :) I detest the fact that many establishments add 12.5% tip on automatically. I cross it off and give the waiter cash. Cheers - Gary

Newton Ranaweera

Date: 10/20/2021 3:26:00 PM

So visual; so musical; so meaningful!! Congratulations, Gary, on your placement!!

Gary Radice
Date: 10/21/2021 1:12:00 AM

Thanks Newton! I like that you described the poem as musical. Cheers - Gary

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 10/20/2021 10:21:00 AM

Such an amazing write, so descriptive... I could almost imagine the scenes of this beautiful poem... Hearty congrats on your win Gary... God bless... ~ Ani

Gary Radice
Date: 10/20/2021 11:47:00 AM

Thank you Anitha! Congratulations for your placement too. Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman

Date: 10/19/2021 11:15:00 AM

Utterly delightful Gary! Wonderful images - "rain that drowned the sidewalks," "swarms of taxis stung the air," "horns stuck on repeat" all masterfully blended into this romantically yearning experience. It is a visceral experience of the city along with a love story. Congratulations! Cheers!

Gary Radice
Date: 10/19/2021 11:37:00 AM

Thanks so much Sam. Visceral: Yes!! For fear of sounding pretentious it's a love story set in New York for New York starring everything I associate with New York from film, TV and my one visit there. Cheers - Gary

Frederic Parker

Date: 10/19/2021 10:13:00 AM

this poem was so real to me it captured a memory I have from long long ago...congratulations

Gary Radice
Date: 10/19/2021 10:20:00 AM

Hi Frederic, I'm so glad it captured a memory for you. Thank you for the congratulations. Cheers - Gary

David Kavanagh

Date: 10/19/2021 4:13:00 AM

The cream rises to the top Gary, congratulations on a well deserved win, you captured the quintessential essence of lovers in New York, cheers David

Gary Radice
Date: 10/19/2021 4:47:00 AM

Thanks David. I've only ever been to New York once but it left a great impression on me. In fact I thought I was walking in a movie backlot when I was there: the yellow taxis, the steam escaping from the manholes etc etc.. Cheers - Gary

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/19/2021 1:15:00 AM

Back with congratulations on your win Gary, Tom

Gary Radice
Date: 10/19/2021 4:45:00 AM

Thank you again Tom. Congratulations too, for your poem Shadow. Cheers - Gary

Susan Ashley

Date: 10/18/2021 8:00:00 PM

Ah, this is beautifully expressive and impressive, Gary. Dreamy romance spills from your gifted pen with rich rhythm and a clever monorhyme scheme. Simply splendid! Congratulations for your excellent win in Milton's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gary Radice
Date: 10/19/2021 4:44:00 AM

Thank you Susan and congratulations on your own deseved winner. I've read it and will read it again and leave a comment. Cheers - Gary

L Milton Hankins

Date: 10/18/2021 7:57:00 PM

Gary, very deserving of your place in the top ten in my contest. I love this poem, so, I'm here to say CONGRATULATIONS! Fine writing, indeed.

Gary Radice
Date: 10/19/2021 4:43:00 AM

Thank you Milt, both for your lovely comments and the competition. I always struggle when I have to choose a favourite. Cheers - Gary

Ann Peck

Date: 10/4/2021 9:41:00 AM

We all dream those dreams that have rude awakenings. Great write, Gary!

Gary Radice
Date: 10/4/2021 10:24:00 AM

Thanks for the great comments Ann. I found this particular poem great fun to write so I'm glad you like it. Cheers - Gary

Robert James Liguori

Date: 9/29/2021 6:32:00 PM

Beautiful poem, what every writer aspires to.

Gary Radice
Date: 9/30/2021 12:24:00 AM

Thanks Robert; much appreciated. Cheers - Gary

Brian Sambourne

Date: 9/29/2021 3:00:00 PM

A wonderful write, Gary, that has a enticing, romantic narrative. Those dog gone good looking waiters have stolen many women's hearts. Delightful read with its juxtaposition of fictional entanglement + in the moment enticement. Just great! Best wishes, Brian

Gary Radice
Date: 9/30/2021 12:25:00 AM

Hi Brian! Thank you. I'm really glad you enjoyed the read. Cheers - Gary

Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/25/2021 7:50:00 PM

Outstanding write, Gary! Should have been POTD. Every stanza fits perfectly, seamlessly. Bravo!! A FAVE for me. Thanks, Gershon

Gary Radice
Date: 9/25/2021 11:27:00 PM

Gershon, thanks so much for your great comments. If I'm honest I don't know how POTD is chosen, I just write what I enjoy writing and if others enjoy it too then that's a bonus. Some of what I consider my best poems have the least views. Just me I guess. Thanks again. Cheers - Gary

Eric Cohen

Date: 9/21/2021 2:21:00 PM

A master stroke and a delight, Gary.

Gary Radice
Date: 9/22/2021 5:18:00 AM

Thanks Eric - Glad you liked it. Cheers - Gary

Joanna Daniel

Date: 9/14/2021 3:16:00 AM

Am loving this absolutely, Gary:) great use of a single rhyme throughout, and that twist in the end, awesome:)

Gary Radice
Date: 9/14/2021 3:40:00 AM

Thanks Jo! I've trimmed it, then added to it, changed some words around, changed stanzas around..and I'm just about happy with it now as it is. :) Cheers - Gary

Sara Kendrick

Date: 9/14/2021 3:06:00 AM

After seeing that water rushing into the subway in New York City during the effects of Ida that first line sprung a memory of what a terror that would have been but the poem drew me in and grabbed my imagination. I enjoyed reading this one for sure and forgot all about Ida. I am glad that I chose it as one to read today. Thanks for your visit to my page. Sara

Gary Radice
Date: 9/14/2021 3:43:00 AM

Hi Sara! Ida looked absolutely terrifying on TV. My daughter has friends in New York and was worried for them. Happily they are OK..I'm glad the poem pulled you in..many are put off when they see a longer poem. Thank you for your lovely comments. Cheers - Gary

Brian Strand

Date: 9/13/2021 1:21:00 AM

Love the image of line 1, Gary.

Gary Radice
Date: 9/13/2021 1:54:00 AM

Thanks Brian, it's an image I've played around with before (Watercolours poem and Wonderland Prologue poem) and one image that opens up so many further imagery possibilities. :) Cheers - Gary

L Milton Hankins

Date: 9/12/2021 10:38:00 AM

Superb, well-told story, Gary. I loved the way you sandwiched it in the poem. Day-dreaming can be a marvelous pastime if not over-indulged, I think. Good writing, as always! Read your note to Tom. Hope you're okay!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/12/2021 12:18:00 PM

Get to feeling better real fast, Gary.

Gary Radice
Date: 9/12/2021 11:05:00 AM

Thanks Milt. There's still a bit of work needed to help the flow so I'll continue chipping away until I'm happy. Yes, I've not been feeling so good today so having an early night. I took a look at Michael's poems. You are right - they are great. I'll take a fresh look at his in the next few days and catch up on your work and Tom's. A little behind reading at the moment. Cheers - Gary

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/12/2021 4:52:00 AM

We all like to daydream Gary, an enjoyable verse, loved the ending. Hope your weekend is going well. Tom

Gary Radice
Date: 9/12/2021 5:27:00 AM

We do Tom - an essential attribute for any poet methinks. I'm sneezing and coughing at the moment but I've tested negative for Covid..so probably just an old fashioned cold..Remember them? :) Take Care Tom! Cheers - Gary