Taming of the Shrew

New York City,

It's been a little while since we've gazed into each others' hidden truths. I used to flood your subway lines with secrets, my heart racing along with your midday dash through horns and traffic lights. I've missed our stop and go. We used to linger together as I paused to cross your roads. It was in those frozen moments that you understood my every unspoken word.

Now, I'm only go or gone. Now, I'm only silence.

Where were you on that night, New York City? Where were you when your people wrapped themselves in self and didn't hear me shatter? Where was your intrusion?

I've had the stains of your neglect imprinted on the surface of my arm, but life washes over and washes out and I have tossed away my expectations in a fit of self reliance. This isn't forgiveness. This is you and me on my terms, without the promises and without the traffic.

The reality is, I don't have time for secrets anymore, but I do miss leaning against your lampposts and finding comfort in the way your curbside curves at corners.

Thank you for waiting.

~86th street