Neighborhoods

Every city neighborhood
Is like a separate town.
Each one is a precious jewel
In New York’s regal crown.

Some are funky, young and hot;
Others more demure.
You can feel the difference
In a minute, I am sure.

East or west side, up or down –
The choices can amaze.
It shouldn’t really matter
Whether others pan or praise.

If you’re a native, you’re aware
Of residential love:
The neighborhood in which you live
Should fit you like a glove.

If someone wants to criticize
The place you’ve built your nest,
Let negatives slide off your back –
For you know what is best.

When you stroll through your turf,
You should feel calm, relaxed, and proud.
Put-downs based on where you live
Just shouldn’t be allowed.

I often wonder, though, how strangers
Moving to this city,
Figure out where to reside –
There should be a committee.

If such a forum did exist,
One person from each zip
Could represent the neighborhood,
Extolling all that’s hip.

But as it stands, a newcomer
Must find it out by trial.
A walk around will make it clear
In just a little while.

If asked, we natives certainly
Have much advice to give.
We’d all agree our neighborhood
Is where you oughta live.