The Brooklyn Rail

JUNE 2021

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JUNE 2021 Issue
Poetry

The Big Fake Gentrification on the Hudson Public Art or Public Fart


Artist on a boat
George Washington crossing
The Delaware. Spirit 
Trumpets blow blow blow.
Matta-Clark.
Hammons approaches.
The skeleton of
“Empty Cathedral Echoes…
Old New York.”
Let me walk on water.
Step right up, folks!
There is nothing to see.
It’s Jersey.
It is for the birds.
Hudson quakes.
Boats with lights pass
pass pass pass pass.
Pass pass pass pass
Hudson freezes around
Day’s End. Flash 
Back to another time.
Cruising men.
Prostitutes and drugs sail
Next to a Cathedral
at Pier 52.
Light breaks through
Holes cut
Striking
Water below.
Looking through.
My eyes are here
For this show.
Birds soar.
Light strikes from above. 

Contributor

Ama Birch

Ama Birch is releasing a spoken word album called Fresh Pond Road on September 21, 2023.

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The Brooklyn Rail

JUNE 2021

All Issues