New York
Global Powerhouse,
Stock Seller, Lover of the Arts,
Caterer to the Wealthy,
Calloused, Rough, Adept,
City of the Powerful:
They tell me you are shady, and I believe them, for I
have seen the immoral acts of the men in charcoal suits.
And they tell me you are harsh, and I answer: Yes, it
is true I have seen the rugged population lurking in
the shadows of the wealthy.
And they tell me you are colossal, and my reply is: On the
  azure blankets above I have seen the cement and steel scars.
And having answered so, I turn once more to those who
sneer at my city, and I give them back the sneer
and say to them:
Come and show me another city with masses flocking towards
the neon glow.
The artist glides his utensil over the canvas,
creating a new world with each stroke.
The dancer makes a skin and bone sculpture with each stretch.
Rising from the heartache and struggle.
Rising as another man is sentenced for his wrongdoing.
Rising; the towers looming above the treetops.
Rising out of bed each morning to do it all again.
  Rising!
Calloused, Rough, Adept,
Proud to be Stock Seller, Art Lover, Caterer to the Wealthy,
Global Powerhouse.