When I exit the sauna below the ground at Utica Avenue
My first experience of Brooklyn is gray and ashy,
With a dazzling duet rainbow.
Perhaps Brooklyn’s way to say “Hello.”
I exhale the stink of urine and mold out of my system.
Salty sweat cascades like a waterfall over my body.
I’m standing, amazed, observing the continuous vista of Brooklyn,
Sweet and roasted cuisine aromas engulf my nostrils.
Mmmm . . .
I smile and say, “Hello.”
Unexpected collision shuffles me, mute commuters out of breath
Pacing, and gazing at the stunning rainbow on the horizon.
A gust of wind accumulates debris and scatters it like a tornado,
The rows of trees sway, the leaves clap, as they dance to the sound of the wind and the birds’ chirping melody.
Without warning, lightning flashes, the roaring thunder startles me.
Then heaven opens and cold tears erode the scent of Miami over me.
Now, I comprehend why my first eyesight experiencing Brooklyn occurred at Utica.
It was Brooklyn’s way to say “Welcome” to my joyous endeavor in my new home.

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Kentina Alcide-Julien writes, “I come from the island of St. Lucia. I relish spending quality time with my daughter and my husband. My goal is to obtain my High School Equivalency degree and better my life. I feel tremendous gratitude to site manager Donna Alleyne and all the staff at the Eastern Parkway Adult Learning Center for enabling me to delight in reading and writing. I would also like to say thank you to The Literacy Review and all its readers, for giving me the opportunity to express my thoughts.”