Subway 8:46 a.m. September 11.

In a tunnel under the Hudson
riding to work, the first impact was
a subtle shake.

A shift of seismic energy
on the Richter scale,
a 2.3 magnitude shudder.

The subway did not stop,
but continue towards the
burning towers.

It rolled, without rushing,
under anchored beams, through the
station, and slid safely

back to New Jersey.



Inspired by the book , American Ground Unbuilding the World Trade Center
by William Langewiesche

Pittsburgh

I wrote this poem on my weekend getaway with Jenny to Pittsburgh.

It is titled: Pittsburgh.

A circulatory system of concrete
causeways. We rush-a red
blood cell--over bridges through
tunnels into stems of nerves extending
sky high
three blocks wide
and steel
stone cold
wind resistant windows to tinier
expanses--minute craftings of
ring finger rewards orange stone maroon
threaded gloves hold maplines
charted anatomies of this pulsing
organized metal saw mill of yesterday.