The Poet Laureate of Jones Street

Elevated

Elevated above the honking street
the train lifts me
in my gray suit.

Below the track
a biker zooms
through traffic.

My hand twists the throttle.
My elbows cock
like wings in leather.

Written: 1984

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Métro Aérien

Au-dessus de la rue hurlante
le train me soulève
dans mon costume gris.

Sous les voies
une moto fonce
à travers le trafic.

Ma main agrippe la poignée.
Mes coudes s’incurvent
telles des ailes de cuir.

1984. Traduction: Françoise Parouty
Publié: Tarabuste Editioins, 2007