San Francisco

A little less frenetic then New York,

Gifted with clean air, engaging vistas,

It serves as a pathway for minorities,

Accepting gays, blacks, Latinos, Asians,

And ...American Express.

San Francisco attracts more visitors and bridge jumpers,

And more than its’ share of poets and street people.

Is there a connection?

Near its southwest coast the twin peaks signal towers

Rise through persistent fog,

Like hunting sharks cutting through a choppy sea.

This city works better than most.

Garbage gets collected,

And art, in mind-bending explosions

Of expressions, takes risks not found elsewhere.

Personal ads offer apartments for rent,

As well as sexual arrangements

Punishable by death in South Carolina.

 In the presistent cool nights many look for shelter,

A warm house, a safe, dry storefront.

Gays and lesbians stand up here

And accept no less than that their voice be heard.

They have helped bridge the gap

That turns fear and anger into tolerance.

A retired tour bus conductor

Sitting beside us recalls the history

Of San Francisco, back to pre ”gold rush”.

There’s much pride in his telling.

You should come here to visit; stay a week

Or a life time.

Hear the sounds, smell the food, walk the parks,

And feel the vibes.

It’s a very special place.