You're the Walker!

On morning walks, I pass by

Certain people every day,

But rarely do we say hello;

It’s not the New York way.

 

Occasionally, breakthroughs

May result in first a nod,

Then perhaps a wave or “Morning!” shout

Or not, which isn’t odd.

 

One woman greets me warmly now,

Yet there were many years

When she wouldn’t even catch my eye;

Who knows why she switched gears?

 

A runner I see frequently

Will give a sideways glance

But won’t take it to the nodding stage

In this strange New York dance.

 

This afternoon, though, as I strolled

In Sotheby’s,* viewing art,

I spotted a familiar face

And blurted, with a start –

 

“Hey – you’re the runner!” He turned ‘round

And broke into a smile.

“And you’re the walker!” he replied;

We knew each other’s style.

 

“We could discuss this further

In the morning, but we move

In the opposite direction;”

(Since we’re in our a.m. groove).

 

The whole encounter felt like

Just how New York stories go

And the next time when our paths cross

Guaranteed, we’ll say hello.

 

*the famous auction house