Prayer for the New Year

Already the businessman on Broadway forgives himself

for what will happen between him and the boy

who stops to ask for a cigarette,

his face illuminating like an icon’s

above the clean strike of the match.

Tonight, love isn’t enough for anyone out here.

Across the street the blonde gives his body

to every man who believes—

and in this city of salt and worship,

there are few moments to touch him.

Saint or stranger, I still recklessly seek you.