Francis Anthony Govia
New York City
New York City is not for the old.
Bring the energy of young blood but
don’t get sold on staying here
forever. Pack your backs before you
hit empty. Run while your legs still
carry you. Fill out one of those
Change Of Address forms at the
local Post Office, and head for what
backland there is. Bolt before the
indifference of people in the city hits
you. Before the misery of lonely
days unfold, and you wind up in one
of those dreary hospitals where they
stick tubes up your body, and nurses
wipe shit from your ass. Don’t be
swayed by fast-talking Politicians
into staying. Run with whatever loot
you’ve hoarded over the years.
Scamper away before they take the
shirt off your back. Before your only
income is a Social Security check.
Before cabdrivers pass you on the
street to make a fast buck from a
customer with legs to zip in and out
of a taxi. Tell the Mayor you’ve
given the city your youth, and at the
very least you deserve to die
gracefully. Don’t settle for one of
those cramped rooms in a rundown
building where cockroaches crawl in
and out of the food you get from
Meals On Wheels. Take my advice,
head to the city when you are young.
Be a doctor. Be a lawyer. Be a
pugilist. Be a receptionist. Be
whatever the hell you want. Just be
successful at doing it. Tell everyone
you love the place. Then leave
before you wear out your welcome.
Page(s) 91
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