We don’t tend to publish poetry in the West Side Rag, but poet Kit T. sent in the ode below and we couldn’t resist. Enjoy!
Columbus Avenue Lament
Columbus, look, I think you’re great,
But I just cannot tolerate
The way you get so narrow here —
The way the sidewalks disappear.
Columbus Ave, I do love you,
But sometimes I just can’t get through!
You fill with strollers, families,
Who saunter slowly at their ease.
I don’t begrudge their gentle pace
(But let’s be honest, it’s a race)
And when I’m blocked from passing them,
It makes me mad at you, my friend.
In sum, Columbus, please oh please
Release us from this maddening squeeze!
Return to us our wide sidewalk,
And nevermore of this we’ll talk.
— Kit. T
Love the Rag and Kit. T’s “Columbus Avenue Lament”
Ahh, we do agree with you, and so flattered by the lovely poem! However, please do remember that Columbus is entirely within the Historic District, which is why it has so much charm. I am sorry to say that in some places, we are likely to have narrow sidewalks forever.
The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District