THIRTY YEARS IN BROOKLYN

The Vietnam war a dying ember
Much bitter taste, the souls
whose bodies have come to waste
The hippies flower power,
children come to bloom
New York, New York
The bosom,
five Boroughs suckles her breast
In Brooklyn, I have come to rest

One highlight of my past
September 16, 1974 stood fast
Arriving here from the Reggae land
This City gave new birth to my purpose
Mayor Abe Beame succeeded John Lindsay
Each with a new amended concession
The City transit fare, thence 25 cents
Free rides on holidays - Sundays
With transfer, whisks you across town

Aroma from Nathan's hot dogs
Filled the D train cabs from Still Well Avenue
Five miles stretch of boardwalk - beaches
Filled with pleasure - seeking people
Riding the Cyclone and Ferris wheel
Water balloons pop under pressure
From spewing water gun surprises
Memories, sweet memories
The chili on crusted hot dog buns

New worlds open with summer sessions
Pratt Institute, and New York University?
Summer ends, fall leaves blow wantonly
Adorning major Highway and street
With Prospect Park shedding
Its lush green glory - now becoming gloomy

Her Botanical garden prepares
She lays in Seasonal slumber
Fall frost gives way to winter snow
Above her sleeping bed

With the browning of the Season
Hiss with azure ­ manganese sky
Cloak in winter garb - of icicle needles
Shielding naked bare bark trees
Reflected lights dancing day and night along their spines
The golden hued city - comes alive!
Brooklyn, New Yorkers - business as usual, continuously