when the waitresses got off the bus in new york city
they were surprised at the amount of ducks in central park
and walked around exclaiming at the varieties of hot sausage
even though they had been forewarned
by the quiet gentleman on the ferry in holland
and the ladies maids on holiday in singapore
the wind blows strange candy wrappers
down the streets sanctified by young lovers
but the winos who have seen it all before
do not need a new revelation
everybody hates bankers
that is why they always look sad
and why the pigeons fall silent
when the bankers’ wives walk by, digesting their morning croissants
say what you will about the decline of civilization
you can still get a decent cup of coffee
it you have patience
and are willing to listen to the experts
