SECOND AVENUE MAGIC BOX

You step into Otis
press the button to the top
and you're on your way
or think you're on your way
the doors slide open
and you're in
America's basement
huge pipes barrels shovels
broken lamps
washing machines
appliances wheelchairs
creeps psychos perverts
sick sick sick
it's their world
and their faces light up
at the sight of you
they know you
they recognize you
you're one of theirs
quick! you press
the panic button
the doors slide shut
and you're up up and away
the doors slide open
and you're on guard
you don't know what
to expect anymore
but it's ok it's ok
you're back in the old lobby
everything's under control
even rent control
you greet the liveried doorman
wonder if he knows
what you know
if anything
about the basement

                       David Gershator