I would find it smart
When looking for help in a transportation station
Of any sort,
To ask the man with the cleanest
Shiniest
Most reflective shoes.
I figure that a man with time enough
To spit-shine his shoes everyday before work
Really takes pride in his job.
Helping people like me,
Is why he wakes up in the morning.
I am overwhelmed by the fact
That out of all of these people
Passing through Grand Central Station,
Surprisingly,
I am the only one wearing something
That isn’t black or brown.
I wear yellow,
The color of the lights adorning the walls,
And of the stars painted in the ceiling.
The room is filled with
Cops and business men,
A skitzo and numerous car operators.
They all have started up conversation with me,
Numerous times,
But not about the stairs I’m stretched out on,
Where a very obvious and official sign,
Prohibits my doing so.
AEL Library & Archives 