Once and Future Nostalgia for these Buildings in which I’ve Worked
I think back on the buildings in which I’ve worked
through the serial monogamy of my career,
as if flipping through photos of old lovers.
Some scarred in my memory: that marble art deco marvel,
how the grand gilded filigree that greeted me each morning
grew arrogant and tiresome in under two years.
Others more unmemorable: that midcentury monolith,
too easy, safe, reliable when I craved challenge and complication.
Then there is you: these plaster walls that now embrace me.
I love the way you make me feel, an unforeseen, innate fit,
how startlingly soft your solid brick, midblock and unassuming.
Have others run their hands along your iron railings?
Who else has handled your hung sash windows?
I’ll never leave, my love, I whisper to you,
even while my restless fingers peruse job postings.
How I will miss you when I am gone.
incredible photo; very nice post
Poetry? Really?
Why did I subscribe to this blog again?
Um… because the pictures and poetry are awesome?
Very nice post. I wish I had that kind of ‘eye’.
Does anybody work in 1 Union looking at 2 Union with morning sun hitting it? I work in 2 Union and I think it’s a gorgeous building.
I used to work in 1 Union, and yes – 2 Union creates great reflections. Have you ever noticed all of the crucifixes in the design?
I miss the Chinese by the pound place and the cheap pizza restaurant.
“flipping through photos of old lovers”
really?
[unsubscribe]
Matt – No, never had noticed the crucifixes (see? no eye for that kind of thing).
Unrelated: has anyone here done any building porn on the new site on 5th Ave (between Jefferson and Terrace St..ish?)? Curved shape, big stairwell on the south side, carved out (loading area?) from the side of the hill. Nice stone and dark glass, attractive street and from I-5 (as much as can be), with some evergreens. I try to admire as I’m blasting down 5th toward Jackson on the bike.
NBeaconJon – thanks for the tip. i’ll check it out.
[NB] you can just see them here. Look right in the center, on each floor. It’s a perfectly proportioned religious-style cross. I have no idea if this was intentional – perhaps requested by the chinese-by-the-pound place.
Ha! Probably right, they have it tuned to the religious channel on their Muzak all the time!
NBJ <- really needs to work on his observational skills.