Katarina Tepesh

 

HELL’S KITCHEN

Taking subway
--------- to Hell’s Kitchen

Airless tunnel
--------- thought provoking signs

So tired
---------- if late get fired

Why bother?
--------- Why the pain?

Just go home,
--------- do it again!

Exiting Port Authority,
-------- - stench of urine,
----------- disheveled drinkers,
----------------------- beer, cheap wine,
--------------------------------- marijuana in the air

Garbage strewn,
---------- rundown deli,
--------------------- dead flowers

Sign of dove Covenant House
---------- A place for lost,
--------------------- troubled teenagers

In the middle of Hell’s Kitchen

The Croatian Church
---------- Serving two thousand,
--------------------- ‘Bog i Hrvati…..God and Croats’

Stained windows, no bells!
----------- Against the city law

Inside, a statue of Virgin Mary,
--------- women crossing, kneeling, praying
-------------------- Confessions, holy masses, weddings, births, funerals

Choir singing ‘Zdravo Djevo Kraljica Hrvata……
---------- Virgin Mary Queen of Croats’

Scent of candles,
----------- fresh flowers,
-------------------- clutching rosary and bible…..

 

About The Author - Katarina Tepesh is a Writer, Essayist, Poet who resides in New York City. Her new book, "Escape from Despair: A Croatian Family's Survival" is a memoir, set among Croatia's working-class during the communist era. Click Here To Learn More about Katerina Tepesh and "Escape from Despair: A Croatian Family's Survival."