Summary

The speaker, who is a reflection of the reader, passes beneath a bridge towards a public space filled with wonders. They taste some of the food there, which reminds them of a long battle between pizzaiolos. At the river, the speaker gets some gelato and watches children riding the carousel. The scene takes on an ominous tone. A storm begins to rise, and the speaker makes their way to the ferry back to the mainland, ignoring a cozy-looking diner. When they’re on the ferry, they see the skyline grinning back at them.

Analysis

“Old Brooklyn Magic” opens with an epigraph: “‘Brooklyn was a dream. All the things that happened there just couldn’t happen.’ —Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” This is paired with the poet’s introduction and inspiration for the poem. In contrast to this focus on others, the body...