Try Harder, Lady Liberty

The subway, men,

older men, young men

loneliness

constant disappointment,

uncertainty, work uncertainty 

hustle, hustle more

Can I afford rent this month?

Birds flying at me, towards me

stepping on poop

not fighting for what’s right,

not knowing how to fight for what’s right.

Rat on my bed, mice, cockroaches

Catcalling, buildings blocking sunlight

someone telling you you’re not good enough,

“You have to be better”

Try harder, lady liberty

Brooklyn, Elizabeth Street,

Vanessa and our worn-out shoes

the bags under my eyes

thrift a new outfit,

fashion, pretzels

who do you want to be today?

Reinvent yourself on a Tuesday

Reconsider your purpose

Try again, don’t give up

One person loves my poem

Should I quit my job?

Pink sunsets, thundering sunrise

A new opportunity, repeat it 

all tomorrow

a new day in this city.