Humans Of by Matthew Recio

Humans of
SSATBB Choir
Poetry by Jenna Lanzaro

Humans of subways and tunnels
of rain-bright roads at night
and counting the coming and going lights like sheep,
like a turning lighthouse lamp.
All the railings and buttons we’ve touched
like staffs of torch ginger passed
from one to the other.
When the train slows between stations
the lights dim—the dizzy pause
of blinking all together underground:
we’re like ants
or flocks of birds
pushing our hearts out towards
the same space
until the wheels wake up again
the lights come on
and we’re home.

Program Notes

I have lived in New York all of my life. I have been incredibly fortunate to have been born and raised in the backyard of one of the most inspiring cities in the world. As most New Yorkers would agree, there is no city quite like New York City. Even when in the thick of rush hour feeling like I need to escape the havoc, I feel at ease knowing I am in the heart of the world. Most people associate New York City with large crowds, loud noises, submersion in pop culture and chaos. While this may be true and are aspects of the city that I have come to appreciate; I have experienced my most poignant memories in the middle of the night, walking through the streets after a concert or event, where there was calmness amongst a sea of lights. There is something poetic in knowing that what can be so daunting and overwhelming at one moment can be meditative and tranquil at another. Being in the hub of music, art, dance, business, food and comedy I can’t help but feel this integral connection to society. This piece was intended to capture that relief you feel when you finally return home, which for me is the city that never sleeps.