(photo by E. Herd, World Trade Center subway station)
These eyes greet you as you exit
There is another pair at the top
of the stairs
These eyes
The right one has a larger iris
almost squinting, drooping
tired of too much
watching
The left one is
more focused,
alert and cold
Tired Big Brother
Tired Big Sister
tired of spies
Here are some views of my new work environs in the Financial District.
Murray Street – food shops and such
Tulips on the Glass – Brookfield Place
Models on the Glass – outside Brookfield Place
Behind building (excuse my thumb, upper left corner)
My favorite view (non-glass)
What though the radiance
which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass,
of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
–William Wordsworth
My best wishes to all for a glorious Memorial Day weekend!
Quincy:
I was despondent.
I didn’t know where to turn.
Even Fat Mousie (in front of radiator) couldn’t cheer me up.
I was about to climb back into the bottle,
when my brother brought me back.
Samson:
See, you don’t need the liquor, Quincy.
Just sit on the table with me
and stare at Dad until he gives you treats.
Quincy:
Wow, Samson, you’re right!
I don’t need the Everclear.
What I really need is a handful of Temptations.
And if Dad doesn’t give them to me,
it’ll be on his conscience
if I fall off the wagon.
Samson:
Now, you’re getting the picture.
Let’s take a nap.
Quincy:
Good idea.
Sometimes I eat lunch at Tudor City Park. It’s quiet and peaceful and close to the U.N. Afterwards, I walk towards the “END” sign and gaze at the East River. In light of the fact that Pope Francis will be in town tomorrow, I thought I’d catch a glimpse pre-paparazzi.
Anyone else seen an “END” sign before?
Is she a prisoner
or a confused supermodel
the Lady in the Robe
Does she wonder how
she landed in a Chemist’s on Park
our Lady in the Robe
Is she a meeter and greeter,
or did she go for a spa day
to wind up in that thing
Is she tired or
or besotted with ennui
watching pedestrians zag and zig
or a time traveler,
a Twilight Zone character–
walking the floors at night
Nothing fazes her,
she’s a real New Yorker
she never gets uptight
I hope she enjoys her weekend
whether in or out of bath wear
she needs a break from
watching the streets
our Lady in the terry
*photos by E. Herd
This is the boot, the boot that protects me when I shower It keeps the foot dry until the stitches come out. It is pumped up like a bicycle tire; then it seals shut directly under the knee.
photo: amazon.com
This is the cat who sensed the boot, and ducked and weaved, like Muhammad Ali. He is blind in the right eye, with 30% vision in the left. His world is dominated by smells and sounds more than sight, even more than the average cat. His name is Quincy.
This is the cat who went to check on the boot after I had hung it up to dry.
His name is Samson. He is Quincy’s best friend. He has checked the bathtub thoroughly and believes the coast is clear.
Quincy continues to scour the bedroom and bathroom, thinking to himself: Where is that boot? Will it end civilization as we know it? How can I be sure we are now safe from it and that it shall not reappear?
Quincy says, “This is my Fortress of Contemplation, my safe house, my shield against all harm. I will be safe here until the boot returns.”
Quincy and Samson in conference, contemplating their fate and that of the missing boot.
Let me leave you with this kernel of wisdom: Cats who live in trash cans should not throw bones.
All photos (except for the boot) by Erica Herd and L.E. Swenson.
My hair has the most bounce and body when a certain stylist is at hand, namely, Karl. He’s mysterious though, only working by night, usually when you’re asleep. Let me show you the wonders he has worked with me.
In the first shot you can see the obvious surprise on my face when I initially witnessed his genius.
In the second shot, I play a bit with the do, experimenting with different facial angles and expressions (yes, I have done some acting in my day).
In the final shot, I’m working the sass, the badass, saying “Look out, world, don’t f**k with me!”
And here is the Master himself, at leisure.
BTW, Karl has a very demanding schedule. His roster of clients includes primarily super-models (did the recent fashion show at Bryant Park) and A-list celebrities. Needless to say, I am ever-grateful that he finds the time to squeeze me into his busy schedule.
Thank you, Karl.
All photos by E. Herd
photos by E. Herd
Patience and Fortitude, the world-renowned pair of marble lions that stand proudly before the majestic Beaux-Arts building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, have captured the imagination and affection of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world since the Library was dedicated on May 23, 1911.
When I was in college, the New York Public Library was my favorite place to study on a Saturday afternoon. Many fond memories . . . and the lions were always there.
Happy Friday, all, from me and the lions!
Quincy, deep in thought. He’s helping me pen my next opus, by the way.
Don’t sweat the small stuff, he says. Find happiness wherever you can.
TGIF!
Suburban Hobo 