A Halloween in Progress

I've spent much of the last year getting to know a guy named Alex. The other day, however, he broke it off with me, giving me the same old sorry excuse that he needed to see other people.

I've heard that line before. I thought we had an agreement that he would stick around a little longer. After all, he was being paid well enough to do what he does best here, and he made a lot more than the regular Joe in the Bronx. I should have seen it coming. Furthermore, his manager packed up his bags, too, and is heading for L.A. Their friend, Don, looks like he's getting out of Dodge with them. I worry others will follow as well.

I loved Alex. I spent many week nights and weekends with him, and the colonel liked him enough to take me to see him on my birthday. Alex's parent company named a new guy to take Joe's place, and his name is Joe, too, and strangely he looks a little bit like Alex. The new Joe seems OK, but he's not my real daddy, and it will be a while before I get comfortable with him.

Awakening in a state of melancholy, I naturally headed for The Bowery to walk off the whole thing. Everyone now knows to go to The Bowery to cry in public.

So beginning at Cooper Square I walked south along the Bowery today, looking for meaning in an Alex-less New York.

Tonight, I plan to join the throngs along 6th Avenue to contact the nocturnal spirit world for guidance, and of course, will alert you of any special messages from the beyond.

Images: October 31, 2007. WOTBA