New York City

The Poetry in Watching New Yorkers Stand in a Line

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Published on May 01, 2016
The Poetry in Watching New Yorkers Stand in a Line

While walking through the Union Square train station, I noticed a long line of people forming against a wall. At the front of the line was a man sitting casually behind a small table, which had typewriter and a sign that read “Free Poetry” placed on top of it.

He was handing out poems to anyone who was willing to wait. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stand on line, but I was very impressed by the amount of people he was able to bring to his stand. After all, New York commuters are notoriously immune to some of the most impressive displays of subway showmanship.

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This is the first time I’ve ever seen a poetry stand, but I really love the concept behind the project. It was refreshing to see people take time out of their day to wait in line for something as beautiful as a poem, rather than an event or a concert. I’m sure the poetry was able to brighten many people’s days.

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