Photography © Chad Parenteau

 

Working Out My Ideal Stay

Everything that comes with a
Metropolis, in a smaller package.
The smell of nature flourishing.
Earthy brown and green sightings.

Garbage tucked in alleys.
Roads and bridges, tidy.

More plazas,
For siesta
Over coffee.

Hills spread
Across the city
To appreciate
Surroundings

4-day work week.
Hybrid.

2 months paid
Time off.

Infrastructure built
For
Running, walking, biking.

A beach
Nearby.
Ample hiking.

Mom and pop
Shops dominate
Economies.

Laid back feel
Society.

Capitalism with
Collectivist
Mindings.

 

Gilbert Diaz is a school counselor and poet from Washington Heights, NY. Influenced by the city, martial arts, and travel to over 40 countries, his writing explores identity, resilience, and place. He draws inspiration from love, books, podcasts, politics, and the everyday rhythms of New York life.

Chad Parenteau is Associate Editor of Oddball Magazine.