New York
is where you come
to be known
even, if only,
in small ways
The pizzaman
who calls you buddy …
“Hey buddy.”
“What you need buddy?”
The guy at
the cigar shop
who silently nods
acknowledgment
or the homeless man
who says, “Hi, how are you?”
then quietly, “can I
get a little help?”
The bar
on the corner
the diner
down the street
Everyone greets you
like a friend
This is how you know
you’re home
(D. James)
