When was the last time anyone wrote something beautiful or simply enjoyable to you? Not an email. Not a bbm or a text. An old fashioned letter, note or poem. Hmmm, I can’t remember the last time I received a poem- honestly must have been 6th grade or something.

Yesterday, on my lunch hour, I picked up a salad and absent mindedly made my way towards Union Square. I walked a block too far and started to make my way back when a sweet voice broke over all the other City noise… “Poem?”

Stationed with a chair, TV tray with a cardboard sign reading “Poem- $2 dollar donation” and an old school metal typewriter on top sat Anayvelyse. A young lady (I am not going to presume to guess age here) in a long red and white polka dot dress, awesome crazy curly hair pulled up on top of her head- eyes bright and eager for the next challenge.

I could think of no better use for the last two dollars in my wallet. I handed them over and in exchange she requested a word. I said, “glee”.

I turned away, fidgeting with my blackberry, to give her the time and space to compose a great piece of literature on the spot. A minute or two passed and then I heard the sound of the heavy keys swinging up and firmly pressing down as she furiously put onto paper what was in her head

When she had finished, she straightened her posture, cleared her throat and read my poem out loud to me. Upon finishing, she handed it over and sent me on my way- now the happiest girl in New York.

I have to say, it truly was a marvellous experience- one that I most certainly recommend to everyone. So, if you need a poem or would like to get one for someone else (boys are you listening?) you can find Anayvelyse on University Place, between 13th and 14th (West side)- usually every day 12- 6pm.