The Rooftops of New York

Here, in the heart of New York
locked within the concrete maze
of buildings, avenues and taxis,
I hear the perpetual cacophony
of noises echoing all around me. 

Looking up, a taste of freedom
Freedom from the masses that
move relentlessly along the streets.
Hints of greenery peak out along
the sides and edges of the rooftops.

Man made gardens are up there, 
hidden among the water towers
built up around the chimneys
A retreat from the insanity
of the city.

By day, sitting up high on a
New York rooftop, listening to
the rat-a-tat blasts of road workers
or the loud shouts and horns
I am grateful to sit quietly
by myself, in a temporary oasis 
from the madness.

By night, the coveted New York
rooftop becomes a sky lit wonder
My eyes gaze at patterns of lights
outlining and tracing the bridges
lighting up with color the great
Empire State Building, known 
by sight throughout the world.
Triumphant displays of lights
can be see from One World Trade Center
and a host of lesser lights
shine brightly on that 
famous skyline.

Oh, to escape to the haven of a
New York rooftop. Of all the sights 
to be seen in this mighty city of 
cities, nothing quite compares
to being on an ordinary rooftop.
Looking out, I can see downtown,
uptown, midtown, the East River
and the Hudson river. 
It is a quite a marvel to stand  
and gaze out from a lowly 
rooftop in New York.
  


2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Johnson-Saunders Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 11:24 PM
The sights, the sounds, the beauty, hustle and bustle...I felt like I was there with you. I love the city, but it's been a long time since I've been to New York. You took me there...hugs, Rhonda
Leiser Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 11:36 PM
Thanks for your kind comments, Rhonda. I'm glad my poem put you there, too! ot is one unique city, that's for sure :)
Fontana Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 2:26 PM
waste of time new york time
Allison Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 1:36 PM
I would SO love to visit you describe it so vividly - maybe one day i will get the chance :-) Hugs Jan xx 7
Leiser Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 1:58 PM
Thanks, Jan! We've visited NYC more than we ever thought we would, since both our sons live there. It is truly a place to behold! I admit, though, that I'm glad I don't have to live there.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace