An Ode to New York City Streets

Eleven years ago, I had yet to call New York City home. I can only imagine, hearing the stories of those whose skyline, life line, changed forever on September 11th. The ghost town of ash, the browning core of the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps in a coma-like state. I pray I never know that NYC. Today I reflect and rejoice in the vibrant, revitalized neighborhoods that I call home. The streets that burst with inspiration, hope, and strength.

Streets that are an artist’s canvas. That embrace color, that compose love poems and foreign messages sent over seas.

This artist was commissioned by a man in Spain to create this work in chalk, a love letter to his girlfriend (wife?) for their anniversary.

Streets that are a sanctuary. That create community, that foster acceptance, that raise voices in song.

Hare Krishna members chanting and singing. They can often be found in Union Square.

Streets that are a playground. That leave you jumping for joy, that welcome all who want to join the game.

An impromptu jump rope game in Union Square. Any one who wanted to was welcome to join in. Before these girls, a white-haired man with owlish glasses jumped in- so sad I didn’t get my camera out in time to capture him!

Streets that are a stage. That make you feel ten feet tall, where “strutting” was born.

I worked a street fair on Riverside Park where six lovely stilt walkers posed for pictures and entertained children.

Streets that are a magazine spread. That flaunt personal style, that turn heads, that cut the edge.

I observed these ladies other day in Lincoln Center outside of Fashion Week. Here they are posing for a picture, but even when the cameras were off they looked picturesque.

Streets that are a gallery. That open eyes, that screw with perception and send conventions sky high.

A super recent art installation at 58th and Broadway (click image for an article about it).

Streets that are a practice. That energize the body and mind, that stretch you to salute the sun.

Walking to work one day, I happened on this group of people randomly practicing yoga in the middle of Columbus Circle. Strange but cool- that’s New York!

Only in New York. Looking at the streets today, you’d never guess what happened eleven years ago. Still, we’ll never forget.

I ♥ these streets. I ♥ NY.

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About New York Cliche

NYC lifestyle blog by Mary Lane. Events, adventures, epic mistakes, dating, life, humor. A 30-something trying to make it (and make out) in the city of dreams.

8 thoughts on “An Ode to New York City Streets”

  2. I’ll always have a bigger place in my heart for NY before 9/11. I only knew it as a kid. I’m sure that’s a big part of why I imagine it being so much better.

    Reply
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  5. I <3 your Ode to New York City Streets, the streets we "natives" too often take for granted.
    "NYC
    You're standing room only
    You crowd, you cramp
    You're still the champ
    Amen for NYC"
    — from "Annie"

    Reply

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