Marriage equality bill passes in New York,
tonight the word spreads
from hand to hand like wildfire,
how quickly everyone knows.

Rainbow  flags unfurl from windows,
car horns honk.

Thousands throng the streets
around the Stonewall,
32 years after
the rebellion.

But many straights in the City,
are also glad,
not stationed at the epicenter
of the celebration perhaps,

but a quiet satisfaction of a democratic task
accomplished, all the more momentous for that,
everyone in this city knows someone
who knows someone who knows someone,

who has walked down that long, lonely road,
and many are proud
to have played a role
in that budding coalition.

On TV they interview
a couple who have lived
together
30 years.

‘So many twists and turns
in  the struggle,
so many anniversaries,   
Karen and I thought we might
never get to see
this moment.

But it is finally here!
At long last gay and lesbian people
have the same legal rights
as other couples. “

Oh, America,
which has come this far,
which still has
such a long way to go.  

When Obama
was elected president,
in Harlem  Black people
danced.

Today
once again
I am proud
to be a New Yorker.