Wednesday, May 5, 2021

City Symphony

Incessant,
the serenata of engines
rolling up and down Broadway
lulls me to sleep;
except on Friday nights—

at the dawn of each weekend,
the city symphony
is accompanied by drunk duets

(and trios)

calling for blood, a cappella.

 


photo by Nick Bolton, on Unsplash

- according to my local news, New York plans to remove most pandemic restrictions on May 19th. Since not everyone is vaccinated—and some remain reluctant to get the vaccine—I’m anxious about how the change will affect health and safety. On a not as important note, I’m also not looking forward to what the lifted restrictions will do to the noise levels around my currently pleasantly quiet neighborhood.  

- for Poets and storytellers United--Weekly Scribblings #68: Where Are You Placed? Where Rosemary asks us “to think about places which are special to [us] for any reason, and bring them to life… in whatever way [we] choose, in poetry or prose.”

33 comments:

  1. Yes, things were much quieter before schools reopened. Lots of traffic with parents dropping off and picking up again. And, the jerk who uses my drivew3ay as an ashtray is back!
    I can imagine how worrisome it is to think of restrictions being lifted. We need so many more to get vaccinated.

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    1. I can't stand people who are too stupid and inconsiderate not to litter.

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  2. Our governor is holding off until Memorial Day for lifting restrictions. I think Eric and I will celebrate our anniversary at home again this year, because I like you have my doubts that this is a positive change.

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    1. Most of our restrictions were lifted on Wednesday. Let's see how it goes...

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  3. The peace and quiet is good, but I'm ready to get out!

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    1. Getting out is great, as long as we are conscientious enough to be safe and keep others safe.

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  4. Covid changed your place, and lifting restrictions is about to change your place again. But somehow, in a way I cannot explain, it remains the same place. Your place. Your neighborhood. Home.

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    1. Certainly. The place continues to be the same. How people act and how we react to their actions, that's what changes.

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  5. Oh, I hope they will not be calling for blood.

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    1. The restrictions have only been lifted for a few days, and I already witnessed two fights in front of the Irish pub across from my building.

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  6. If Oregon doesn't get its act together .... we will never emerge from the protocols.

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    Replies
    1. I do hope things get better soon, for all of us.

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  7. City life is not for me at the best of times (though I enjoyed it as a young woman in my student days). Even without restrictions, nights are quiet here. I love that hush that descends. Fascinating to get a glimpse of your very different home.

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    1. Last night, my Piano Man and I were standing in our terrace talking about how much we won't miss the hum of the city when we finally move out.

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  8. Hopefully it won't be long before things get back to normal, however we will still have to be wary for a year or too until Covid is completely eradicated.

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    1. I think the new normal will include masks for quite some time.

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  9. About the only good thing to say about the restrictions is that life is slower paced and quieter. I too hope that doesn't change

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  10. is it wrong that I have so enjoyed the eerie quietness of the city, while at the same time feeling the need o accost silent strangers with a cheery "hello"? XXX

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    Replies
    1. Nope, it isn't wrong at all. I feel exactly the same way!

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    2. Yesterday, during a walk, I said good morning to a few people. Some replied. Others just look at me, a bit panicked.

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  11. I’ve noticed an increase in traffic through our village since the schools went back, although it is lovely to see the school bus drive past twice a day. When my husband took me to get my second jab last Saturday, I noticed that there are more people about than when I got the first one. I love the way you evoked the sounds of the city symphony, Magaly, especially the ‘serenata of engines rolling up and down Broadway’. After almost thirty years in the country, that would keep me awake rather than lull me to sleep!

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    1. When I migrated from the Dominican Republic to the US, it took me weeks before I could fall asleep with all the noise and light pollution.

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  12. at least, when I walk at nights, few people are out. I relish the solitude ~

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  13. Fine, Magaly!!! It reminds me,
    1) of the young trolling Main Street in Honolulu way, way past midnight; and
    2) our stay in Manhattan for a bit, hotel at 9th Street an 9th Avenue. Walking over to and from Broadway was sooo interesting, row houses and a basketball court that looked like the one in the set of a Cher movie.
    Our hotel was fairly quiet though after a street musician with his boom box left for the night.
    ..

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    1. Ah, the sound of a boombox in the street... that reminds me of when I was a teenager.

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  14. I kind of like the quietness! We have been in another lock down! The third one. Honestly, I don't think it will ever go back to the way it was. Keep safe my friend! Big Hugs!

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    1. I'm almost certain that it won't get back to how it was. And that might be a good thing. I don't particularly enjoy wearing masks everywhere, but it would be beneficial if people continued to wear them in crowded areas.

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  15. What do you think? They will crank it up!

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