Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island ferry from Manhattan
is like the last scene of a movie:
camera panning slowly back
from the city where it all took place.
My head turns from bright lights of buildings
toward bright lights of bridges
and I wonder whether to think it all beautiful
or mourn the waste of starlight.
Focus on the people,
melange of tourists, bums, commuters,
and wonder once again.
A man is preaching Jesus loudly:
"A-some of you are a-listenin', butchya still a-don't a-HEAR-AH!"
A German woman calls out to her friend,
then cameras flash as Lady Liberty comes into sight . . .

"Yes, she is beautiful."