NYC Mornings
First the birds, and then the trucks and then the scratching as the pigeons that roost in the wall wake up. Then the cat at the door, meowing to be let in and beat her tail against the wall as she stares out the window. Glance at the clock, out of bed, wrap towel, no walking naked, especially with a female roommate. In the shower, brush teeth and pee, time management at it’s best.
Down the stairs, nice shoes hitting the rough wooden floors with a sharp crack, out the door, down the steps, strong smell of onions, asian women heading to the plant. Into the coffee shop, really just a counter, ease past the high schoolers, 1 large coffee, black-two-sugars, same every day. The older woman forgets, the younger always knows.
Down the stairs, slide the card, one quick motion no stopping as the bar hits your thigh. Down the steps, glance at the sign, train in 3 minutes. Turn up the music, the first sip of coffee blasts your mouth, try to sip enough to ward off a good spill.
Train pulls up, mass of bodies. Slide in where you can, grab a bar if possible, cradle the coffee. The stops go by, Grand-Graham-Lorimer-Bedford-1st ave, 3rd Ave, Union square. Quick out the door, get to the stairs before the queue forms. Up the stairs, dodge the fat old woman taking her time, avoid kicking the person behind you in the face.
Hope for the express, great the N! Hop in, grab a wall, watch as the doors close and open close and open close and open as arms and legs and purses are thrust through to prevent shutting. 34th st-42nd st. Train empties at 34th and 42nd, no one who works in midtown takes the NQRW. Maneuver in front of the door, 49th st. Doors open, red tile, dirty floors barely register.
First one out, coffee’s done, toss in the trash on the way to the stairs, one quick fluid shot for two points he’s 99% from the floor, jive up the stairs. Three stacks of todays papers on the ground, guy in his metal booth handing out coffee. Up the street, cross in the middle, dodge the cab, grab another coffee or a bacon egg and cheese depending on the hangover, another few blocks, push the doors, swipe the card, dive for your own elevator, tap the card, push the glass doors, sit down in front of your computer and wait.
