let us return
to twenty-five
years past
when I claimed New York
streets
as something all my own
obliterated now
in twenty-first century spotlights:
Monk's, the path of healing,
the road to Independence.
many men were lost
on that road.
day after day
I left them there.
Fend For Yourself:
that was the goal in the jungles
of New York;
walked a skyscraper's width
just to see the sun rise.
I wish I could've seen it now.
The sky was once so beautiful.
But you never know.
Other women,
encased in styrofoam,
may claim to be me,
or a Rachel, or a June,
or some other fascimile
of our daily lives.
But please mind the mannequin
as it "come-hithers" in the window:
I was the original.
I know what I'm doing.
Was it any other way?
Author notes
This was inspired by the character Elaine Benes from Seinfeld. The poem is a reflection by Elaine in prison, twenty-five years after the final episode, contemplating New York. Subtle references to the series abound. See if you can spot them.
A contest entry
- Favorite Sit-Coms & Comedy Series by Mercury Rising.
1000 points, ended April 23, 9 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What is your opinion of Elaine?
Comments
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Interesting write and capture of the character. Well written. Blessings.
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