Sunday, January 5, 2014

At the Broadway

                                                                   Photo: New York at Night by Vivienne Gucwa 
Source: Courtesy of Tess' Mag

Typical of a small city street
Very unlike those one sees
Old fashioned cobblestones
Outskirts of NYC perhaps

NYC  is not that sane and quiet
Big Apple is what Times Square is
The sophistication of Broadway

But barely half a block away
The third rate movie theaters
Reeking of weed smokers
And sudden blurting of curses
Interspersed with the F-word
Makes one sick to the bones
The one and only experience
Was just about enough to know

Instead in stark contrast
Just nip over to any of Broadway’s
Overcoats at the cloak-room
Upon arrival and once inside
Not a whisper or a pin drop
Silence observed except
The voice from the stage

An intermission half-way
For light refreshments
All in all a most satisfying
evening with formal trappings
But informal in all instances

These are the NYC theaters
Broadway for one's bidding!

Written for Tess' Magpie Tales at Mag #201 and shared with
Marian's hosting at Real Toad's Open Link Monday

22 comments:

  1. a time and place captured well

    ALOHA from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral
    > < } } ( ° >

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  2. i like the contrasting pictures you've painted...nice take on the prompt...

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  3. A big city with all the contrasts in the world.. I have not been there in a long time... but your words bring me a wish to go there.. (not now though)

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  4. I've been to NYC so can relate to what you mean. well written Hank.
    Yvonne.

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  5. ah you dont have to go far in the city to see the contrasts....the haves and nots...i do love broadway...the world though def makes a stage to see the play play out....

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  6. You staged this well! (Sorry...couldn't resist.)

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  7. The outskirts is very different from the city's sophistication, I can see that ~

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  8. A few blocks either way and you can sure see a different display

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  9. I like the stanza about the third-rate theaters.

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  10. a kaleidoscope… for all the senses Hank.

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  11. Great contrasts on the walk ... enjoyed your interpretation on this Magpie.

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  12. Evocative...love the coatroom full over overcoats...

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  13. great, love this snapshot, but i don't think this exist anymore, at least right off Times Square/Broadway. shocking how sanitized it is now. depressing. let's write about that!

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    1. Mine was what I encountered years ago. Things could have or must have changed a lot since then. Thanks Marian!

      Hank

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  14. Ah yes, reality always has a way of walking into life.

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  15. Stark contrasts of the have and have nots. Odd that whatever 'class' we think we belong too - we look down on the other(s), see our life as superior.
    Not really explaining myself very well here Hank - not long finished nightshift (mind numb)- do so hope you know what I am trying to express...?
    Anna :o]

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    1. I get what you mean Anna! The people that we meet comprised of many levels of economic status. They congregate within the vicinity but not necessarily part of our crowd. We have a right of choosing our friends certainly! Thanks for the thoughts!

      Hank

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  16. So much charm, ..I'm walking along with you....and.the photo...looking north on 5th Av.and 68th St..I know this place very well..we'll walk it when you come to visit!!

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    1. You got it Lyn! Was there many years ago. What I used to do was to purchase same day tickets at the WTC then (at cut rate prices) and enjoyed blissful Broadway offerings for quite many nights. You are absolutely right! Just a leisurely walk around that stretch was fantastic! I'll take your call if ever I get round to NYC again!

      Hank

      Hank

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  17. You know NY and Broadway ... loved this!

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  18. It isn't always the have and have nots in a city setting like this…. It is also the can and cannot - those who work hard and make a living, and those who have never grasped at opportunity and have never worked hard. There are many, many kids in schools today who could care less they are being given a free opportunity to better themselves. Just because one is poor, does not excuse ugly behavior, crude comments, rudeness. Being "classy" is not just for the rich, it is a way of behaving, rich or poor or in between. I didn't care much for NYC - but then, I was with 5 young/small children and I was probably being a "Momma Bear". :) I do like the contrasts and the words you paint.

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