Walk down the street
The weather’s colder
Than I’d expected
When I looked out the window
The bright blue sky
Looked so inviting
The sun looked hot, but
I guess I was wrong
Went to my job
But I was tardy
I’d not been paying attention to the clock
At work day’s end
Eight hours later
I realized I’d been out to lunch all day
I’m doing time
On the Upper East Side
With all its romance
Designer clothes and dogs
I could be pressed
By all I ever wanted
But I am haunted by wanting to be free
I’d fall in love
If I didn’t know much better
Right upon moving here
To the city deep and wide
Maybe I did
And now I’m paying for it
And now I’m falling forward
To be caught before I die
I’m doing time
On the Upper East Side
With all its fruit stands
Museums and the park
I could be pressed
By all I ever wanted
But I am haunted by wanting to be free
Reading the Post
There on the platform
Awaiting my ride home
On the green line train
I’d never have guessed
That there and then I’d find some rest
Sobs came in waves as my tears
Soaked the newsprint
Soaked the newsprint
Tears soaked the newsprint page in my hand
Sometimes I feel I’m doing time
On the Upper East Side
The shoes, great views, restaurants
Fat wallets and iPods
Sometimes I feel I’m doing time
On the Upper East Side
I could be pressed
By all I ever wanted
Yet I am haunted by wanting to be free
Copyright © 2008, 2021 Rachel Zylstra
From Before You Could Decide, 2008
From Lost Night: Live at the Bitter End, 2021