It is 5:43 p.m. in New York a Saturday
one day before my birthday, yes
and the Manhattanville Viaduct with her face on it.
and I am sweating a lot by now (because it's August)
and thinking of Barney Josephson, pushing 80,
leaving his apartment in an early 80s snowstorm
to host at the Cookery and a young neighbor says
"Mr. Josephson, you shouldn't go out there"
"I have to, she will get in from Roosevelt Island"
and indeed she does and so do I amidst a smattering of devotees
Mr. Josephson dapper in a suit
he could have worn introducing Lady Day at Cafe Society
tells of his concerned young neighbor and up she bounds
impish smile launching into "My Castle's Rocking"
("I'm laying it on the line for protection")
and Gerald Cook and everyone and I breathe deeply