peeps.

so we went to new york city yesterday. the first leg of the trip we had the pianist as escort. i wanted to sit where i could see out the window of the train, you know, i like to be inspired. we ended up sitting across from the door of the lavatory (staring right at it), that is another kind of inspiration entirely. i'm happy to report no one blew out the loo while we were on the train.

one new jerseyite sitting beside us leaned over and said,

hey buddy, can you keep it down, you're bothering everyone on the train.

(his yellow soft cover michael chriton book demanded he focus all of his attention).

the pianist apologized. then reconsidered. he said,

have you considered taking a limo, this is public transportation.

(i was so proud of him!)

the guy left it at that and the pianist and i continued having a lovely conversation on the way to seacaucus.

along the way the pianist explained all manner of things. what to look for on the signs, where to board the trains, where to go while waiting to be sure we got on the train, etc. very helpful details, all.

so we made it to the empire state building (my girl and i looking up most of the way) and walked through, i am so glad he didn't want to go up. i didn't. and likely won't unless my peeps insist. i enjoyed just seeing it from below. i have no desire to go up in those big tall buildings. i've never really gone up in big tall buildings (over 35 floors that is).

we part ways and head over to times square via the new york public library, which wasn't open so we merely skirted it. but now i know where it is. that is where i was supposed to go last saturday but didn't brave the trains alone. it was so easy. now i know.

we lunched at chez golden arche. the lady who took our order was african american with magenta stripes in her hair. a real new yorker. she didn't want to be there, and didn't care if we dropped dead on site. she treated everyone this way, i was glad it wasn't just me. she took my order with general disdain and wandered away to get my food. she wasn't in any hurry. she meandered. made the rounds. probably visited with her friend the fry chef.

while she was away a young latin lady appeared. she was slight of frame and smiled kindly.

have you been helped?

yes, but i'd like an iced coffee, i said.

she made one for me con mucho carino if you know what i mean. she didn't begrudge anyone anything. she was kind. it was nice to deal with her.

so we perch in the arches and look out over times square. my girl says,

this sign is unimpressive.

i broke out bly and started reading a collection of poems i'd brought with me. it is a gorgeous collection which i highly recommend. it's called loving a woman in two worlds.

we left and my God, the people were great.

there were what i consider to be typical new jersey men, stalky, solid, strong-looking. clean cut, generally.

irish men with strong jawlines, massive stature and pronounced noses.

women with wide flat hips and hineys, whose whiteness peeked out at me from behind polyester skirts. when some women walk (perhaps me too), i can't help but watching their caboose go, bada boom, bada bing, bada boom, bada bing. back and forth.

some puertoriquenas which look like they could break out into a salsa no matter what they are doing. those types of sensual women who just need a latin man to emerge from the crowd and right there they'd tango or something.

so many people, i'll tell you more tomorrow if you care to hear it. peace.