Manic Monday - A Haibun Poem by Judy Meibach

I am late to work. It is Monday morning - manic Monday morning; It is amazing that I got out of bed in time. 7: 30 AM - yes the sun is up, but I am not. Places to go, people to see.

People rush to work -
Frenzied emotions run wild
Subways stalled.

The train finally arrives at Columbus Circle. There is a mass confusion as commuters get on and off the train, disregarding each other's feet. The narrow stairwells are jammed with people going up and down, rushing to get to their morning appointments. We are supposed to be a civilized people, yet these commuters seem like a herd of cows.

Train stops at station -
Rude commuters disembark
Tourists get tromped.

Frank Sinatra sings of New York - we as New Yorkers defy this image. There is so much that is wonderful about this city. This is why people gravitate to New York to live, to learn to work. The tourists are here, wanting to capture the throngs of the allure that this city has to offer.

Tourists want to seize -
Patriotic New York
City offers so much

I finally ascend the steps of the station. I hope to get across the street quickly, but there are three buses trying to get across the stress as well. There is also a queue of taxicabs, yellow and gypsy, waiting for the traffic light to change from red to green, so as to allow them to pass and transport their distressed commuters to work. Finally, there is a mass confusion as millions of people are pushing their way, disregarding others, in order to legally and illegally cross the street.

Traffic light is red
Buses and taxis wait to cross
I stand frustrated