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Fast Paced City -Prose Poem, Alan j Wright

 

Returning to prose poetry this week and nostalgically returning to memories of my time in New York .  I am recounting  one of the many adjustments that were part of living in another country, another culture.













Fast Paced City

 

The first time I visited New York, I realised those stories I had heard about a fast-paced city were accurate. When I stepped out onto the streets it was like viewing a movie where the action had sped up. I found myself on the edge of a fast-flowing stream. I felt a sense of everyone moving somewhat quicker than I was accustomed to. Walking along Broadway, I began dodging and weaving between oncoming walkers. I was navigating the rocks in the stream.  It was simultaneously thrilling and daunting, but I resolved to adjust my stride to the pulse of the city. I garnered a New York state of mind. Stepping out on the city sidewalks. Speed walking. Alive and alert.  I was in the slipstream!

Alan j Wright


It is Poetry Friday and Michelle Kogan is our host this time. Michelle presents a poem that provokes timely reflection as America prepares to commemorate its 250 birthday as a nation. The poem is filled with mixed feelings, as Michelle deftly prompts readers thoughts regarding the nation's beginnings.


 

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Comments

  1. Mary Lee4 July 2026 at 01:34

    You captured the shock of and adaptation to the pace of NYC perfectly!

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    1. Alan j Wright5 July 2026 at 10:49

      Tjhank you, Mary Lee. It was quite a memorable time in my life and a significant adjustment.

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  2. Karen Edmisten 4 July 2026 at 04:05

    I think every time I've been in New York City I have felt it to be "simultaneously thrilling and daunting" — well captured, Alan!

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    1. Alan j Wright5 July 2026 at 10:50

      No doubt, Karen. It never ceases to astound a visitor.

      Delete
  3. Irene Latham4 July 2026 at 05:55

    Here's to being in the slipstream, in NYC, or wherever!

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  4. Linda B4 July 2026 at 05:59

    Yes, that "slipstream" needs education in how to adapt, Alan. I was there once with a colleague and 20 students! (They learned faster than I did!) Thanks for the memory returned!

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    1. Alan j Wright5 July 2026 at 10:52

      Adapting is the key, Linda.I can't imagine being there on a school excursion...

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  5. Michelle Kogan4 July 2026 at 15:43

    That "slipstream" is fast, and definitely daunting but also exuberayting, you've captured the vibe well! Onetime, when in NYC I felt like a salmon swimming upstream, but you gotta keep going. Your poem makes me ☺️ Thanks Alan!

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    1. Alan j Wright5 July 2026 at 10:53

      Yes, to all those things you mention, Michelle. Salmon, indeed.

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  6. Cathy Stenquist5 July 2026 at 05:09

    You captured this so well, Alan. The "navigating the rocks in a stream " is spot on. I love how you joined the stream and the exuberant feeling it gave you.

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    1. Alan j Wright5 July 2026 at 10:54

      Thank you, Cathy. Your response is appreciated.

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  7. Robyn Hood Black5 July 2026 at 06:49

    Great descriptions - requires some bravery to step into that crazy stream!

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    1. Alan j Wright5 July 2026 at 10:57

      Thanks, Robyn. I did feel a sense of accomplishment, I must say. When I returned home after six years of speed walking , I had to adjust my pace back to a more sedate speed.

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  8. Margaret Simon6 July 2026 at 07:54

    You captured that feeling of the big city. The foot traffic is as scary as the driving traffic.

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    1. Alan j Wright7 July 2026 at 11:59

      Thank you, Margaret. You will appreciate this quote -‘New York is the only city in the world where you can get run down on the sidewalk by a pedestrian.’ Russell Baker.

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  9. Carol Varsalona7 July 2026 at 03:05

    Alan, since I lived in Long Island once married, I understand the noise, the speed of people, and the sights to be seen, in NYC. We are traveling with my little grandgirls and family to Long Island in August and expect to be in the City to show them what it is like. Of course, I want to add in shopping because it is a fashionable place to be. Thanks for another look at NYC from your point of view.

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    1. Alan j Wright7 July 2026 at 12:02

      Enjoy your revisit to NYC, Carol. It will be fascinating to see it through those young eyes. Always enjoyed NYC shopping. Endless discoveries.

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  10. Linda M.7 July 2026 at 11:07

    Such a brief but on-point description! I didn't grow up in NYC but upstate...far, far, upstate. Still, I love a good fast-paced walk. I so enjoy visiting another country and getting the feel of what it's like to live there. Recently, I was in Montreal...what a beautiful city. Not too fast, not too slow...just beautiful. I recommend it!

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    1. Alan j Wright7 July 2026 at 12:05

      Thanks. Linda. Visiting other countries is a wonderful privilege. It is always enlightening. Have visited Montreal and like you enjoyed it immensely. Keep stepping out...

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