November 2012 Tanka Challenge 11-10
A tall, rough-hewn man, of formerly dark hair, with a voice of Sting-like quality, would sing and play his guitar at the 14th Street/Union Square station on the L line 20 years ago, when I first got here. I would see him on-and-off when I lived in Manhattan back in the 90s. As I came down the long escalator at the Lexington Avenue station on the E line today, I recognized his voice, then saw him again as I got to the platform. He probably did not remember me, but he smiled anyway, realizing that I remembered him.
After twenty years,
the subway troubadour's still
crooning and strumming.
Salt in the pepper, a new
guitar. My coin, now as then.
After twenty years,
the subway troubadour's still
crooning and strumming.
Salt in the pepper, a new
guitar. My coin, now as then.