i thought i was busy
before working
five jobs
[six if you split up
the two i’m doing for this show]
and while the theatre gig is taking up
so much more of my time
than all the others
combined
it is the place i feel
most at home
and like i kinda know
what i’m doing
and i’m trying to listen
when my own guts
and the universe
say something
kip
going out
doing things
meeting for dinners and
going to networking events
in the city
and me
going out
doing things
running friends around and
socializing and working outside of the house
going into [and out of] the city
we’re acting like
a couple of new yorkers!
[it only took the looming threat
of a move
and/or unemployment
to get us here]
having the resources
to act out,
but not to actually achieve
the help that you need.
having the words to express
exactly what you need,
but still no resources
that actually
help.
society has progressed
somewhat,
but not to the extent that
everyone, everyone needs/deserves/requires.
it is [is it] a viscous cycle
so tired
so sleepy
so nervous
so alive
i’m standing at a precipice
a precipice of my own making
and i think i’m
excited
getting choked up
at rallies where we all chant
“we are New Yorkers”
to signify we won’t be beaten down
or give in
to fascism
literally tearing up
while reading the world’s responses
to our mayoral primary
“that’s my mayor”
in Cleveland
in Virginia
in New Zealand
in Europe
those damn tote bags were right —
don’t you dare call me an american
i’ve never had any
pride in my country
but don’t you dare forget
that i’m a New Yorker
and my chosen city
stands up for all our
beliefs
and when we get together on something
don’t you dare forget
what we can all accomplish
as New Yorkers
together
a play
made of poetry
an art experience
guided by the muses
turning the mirror back on
the artist himself
a connection
with a group
who might just make new york
worth staying
if
we’re staying
kipventures 