NY state of a southern girl’s mind

I

I feel a cool breeze kiss my face as the subway train comes rumbling through the tunnel.

A southern girl is quickly reminded of where she is: the big apple, New York City, the concrete jungle. 

II

A beautiful skyline embellished by waterfronts and skyscrapers,

A beautiful scenery mixed with the smell of city sewage and bodega food vapors.

III

I’m Just a little girl from the south in the big city chasing caviar dreams; living, learning, and experiencing new things amidst so many chasing their dreams. 

IV

Artists, dancers, healers, doctors: I enjoy a free concert on my walk to the platform and train, 

A city so alive and full of joy yet wincing with pain. 

Live human bodies lay scattered throughout the subway station’s corridors wrapped tight in blankets and sheets, shaking a cup, holding a sign, or simply asking for spare change to get something to eat. 

V

In the city of plenty, there’s still so many that don’t have any.

Questions strike the surface of my frontal lobe; what happened? Who are they? What in their lives went wrong?

Though my empathy runs deep, I contemplate a moment, but can’t dwell on it for long, my train is coming. 

And plus, all the shining bright lights, noise from taxicab horns, and police sirens impede on my thoughts’ humming. 

The beat goes on, from times square to Brooklyn, the people keep on drumming, the people never stop grinding, the party never really ends. 

The finest art culture, the first to set fashion trends, a cultural melting pot with people of all colors and blends, free spirits, weirdos, and creeps.

A southern girl is quickly reminded of where she is.

The great city of Gotham that never sleeps.