Underground and over the moon - A whole new world on NYC subways

A sense of camaraderie

A second family 

We travel together intermittently. 

We recognize each other's faces

We smile but don't speak

The culture that's steeped in public transport bridging the gap between different spaces. 

Rich and poor, All kinds of occupations,

Even more varied, are those sensations

As we pass through those intricate,  complex under and over ground stations.

Brokers on their phones,

Solitary riders and Soccer moms galore,

Not giving a chance for an iota of bore

To pervade your soul for however long you ride. 

Constantly surrounded by learning,

Fill the distance with something constructive, time is yearning. 

Get lost in a story on the way to work,

You may even play "I spy" and spot a rat, in the subway trenches they sometimes lurk. 

Passengers sway to the tune of the musicians and dancers on the way,

Adding a little pep to their step through the ride, if not through the whole day. 

The connections you make,

The connections you take,

From the express to the local, a jumble of numbers and letters,

A plethora of sights and sounds become the norm, you'll come to appreciate. 

The off the beaten track commute gets you above ground, to actually experience this city's wondrous sights and sounds,

On the D, you'll cross the Manhattan Bridge over to Brooklyn, 

Giving you a view of downtown Manhattan and Lady Liberty,

Standing there, guiding us silently,

In all her sincerity. 

Maybe you'll pass the 125th on the 1, Shrouded in fog,

The smell of Dino's BBQ in the air, the infamous Apollo stands in Harlem in the distance, you see a runner in Riverside Park taking a jog. 

42nd Times Square and Penn stations are the epitome of this city that never sleeps,

Passengers connecting to the NJT, PATH, LIRR, expresses and locals, 

While others rush by on their gadgets, a close eye you must keep. 

Dodging past slow riders mimics Michael Flatley's intricate footwork,

And contrary to popular belief, you'll ever rarely meet an inconsiderate jerk,

That leaves NYC with a reputation of no manners, no play, only rude people focused on work. 

Sure, Rush hour proves difficult, 

I agree, personal space, there is none,

To me the choice is still simple, things you learn on a short ride on the subway,

Learning something new everyday is easily done. 

They still say we'll cab it, to them I say it's your loss,

Choose to learn over earn, one must make that transition across. 

So before you Take the E to JFK to follow your wanderlust and travel the seven seas,

Look within your city, enjoy your journey and follow those city dreams!