Nolita. A Walk. With a Song Playing.

This city I love
and also hate
where I can buy frogs in a bucket
on Mott Street.
Or stare down Elizabeth
straight to the Empire
surprisingly
graceful at night
Or drink a glass of Malbec
next to exposed brick
across from a good friend.
This city I love
and also hate
became home
somewhere between the Hudson River
and tears at Communion
and riding the D over the East
unable to read.
Just listening
as I travel.
Through this city.
Writing
on a crumpled receipt.