There’s this tunnel inside the Times Square subway station that every commuter hates. It’s long and brutal to navigate through, especially if you’re in a rush to get home after a tough day at work.
If you’ve ever passed by, you’ve probably noticed the depressing, yet oddly relatable signs hanging on the ceiling beams of the tunnel:
Turns out, it’s actually a 18-word poem, called the “Commuter’s Lament or A Close Shave." It goes like this:
Overslept.
So tired.
If late,
Get fired.
Why bother?
Why the pain?
Just go home.
Do it again.
The poem, proposed by artist Norman B. Colp, was installed in 1991, as part of the Arts for Transit program that began in the 80s. Although the piece was meant to be a temporary installation, it was never removed.
That's why it looms over our heads today. It's kind of depressing, but also kind of funny at the same time.
Also, the last panel (not shown in the video) is a picture of a bed. That one torments me every time...
