The Fuller Building

The ancient and looming edifice

under which I stand holds the distinction 

of being one the tallest buildings in the world 

for about thirty seconds 

before another and another 

sprouted up around it like itinerant dandelions. 

Her prow pointed north she has always attempted 

to plow to the very top of the island 

and if I'm not incorrect

she's made a few inches of progress over the years. 

Generally regarded as a menace to design and decency 

my beloved flatiron is a phenomenon of engineering 

and was known for creating a breeze that could 

blow up the hoop skits of ladies at the very end of their walk.

I feel a sort of congress with it's incongruity 

and tendency to be cheeky and overdressed. 

It's big in back and cruel and beautiful as first light. 

I like that. I get it. You're sexy. You know it,

and you'd destroy me for saying so.

She's a little vain it's true with her limestone flounces

the shutters around her clicking all day.

Oh my darling you've developed an ego
and a mean streak a block long.

I imagine if someone were to speak ill of you

in your shadow you would peek the other way

and drop a rosette from your 8th story 

crushing that person to a pulp

and say "Sayonarra" under your breath

while you filed your steel frame into a wicked point.

I think you're the kind that people think needs love

but when confronted with us

you just want our dirty greasy fingers

off of your damn limestone.

You will stand tall and gorgeous and cold

until I too am dead

I love you, I love you, and I'll lay my hard work

at your feet. I will give my sacrifice to gods

of the city, and they will never know my game.

But I know yours. 

I know yours.