An Expedition for Thursday Doors
walking walking
looking for doors looking
for ways to connect
one with another–
walking and looking
for the one door that becomes the center,
the pivot that marks where I turn around
walking walking
should I retrace my path?
or sit for awhile
and consider how
I came to be here,
thinking of all the doors I haven’t seen–
they are not lost—just waiting to be found
I photographed this mansion on Riverside Drive awhile ago, but my front views were not very good, so I made a special trip back to photograph the front again.
You can’t get close to the front, but the side, on West 89th Street, is very accessible–you can even drive into the doorway.
Built by Isaac Rice, an attorney and investor, in the early 1900s, in 1907 it was sold to cigarette manufacturer Solomon Schinasi, and then to a Yeshiva in 1954. There was a huge battle in 1980 over whether it should be landmarked or sold to a developer who would have knocked it down and built another highrise–Landmarks won out, and it remains a cash-strapped school.
My poem, for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday theme expedition, provided by Donna Matthews, is a duodora. You can read about the form here.
Read more about the Rice Mansion here and here.
And see more Thursday Doors here. Although Dan is on vacation this week, there are lots of previous posts to peruse.
34 responses to “An Expedition for Thursday Doors”
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- August 2, 2021 -
I really like that form and need to try one. Doors as portals and crossroads are fascinating. The building, so narrowly saved. Why why why are so many beautiful things always at risk? Hoping the landmark designation protects it now. I bet that’s an ongoing battle in NYC for the beautiful old buildings. Wouldn’t that be an awesome building to buy, live in, and turn into an art and artist sanctuary?
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It would make a great arts building. Now that it’s Landmarked the can’t tear it down. The problem with all theses beautiful buildings is that they are expensive to maintain. So there’s always a fight
And, I have to say, landmarks doesn’t always use its power wisely.
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Love that you returned to take these photos that really showcase different aspects of this unique building. That orange pilon really stands out.
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It does. Every once in awhile there’s an increase in anti Semitic attacks and every Jewish organization is on the alert and blocks off all its entrances. That’s my take on how it came to be there.
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Sad state of lack of human understanding by some that we are all in this together.
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Yes. We need a reset in that department.
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Hoping you got my other comment. Just read the links about the house. What an interesting history and hopefully a long future ahead for it.
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I hope so too. The school needs a benefactor to help with the upkeep. Like churches, the maintenance costs a lot more than is produced in income. Instead of vanity trips into space…
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This building should qualify for some kind of subsidy from the city because of its historical significance. One of the comments at one of the links said something about a buyer who was going to relocate the school to a better place and renovate/restore the Rice Home. About the vanity trip, I begrudge nobody on trying to get off planet. Let’s face it, our prognosis isn’t good.
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It isn’t. But perhaps if they devoted that money and energy to saving the earth, we would have a better chance. I don’t object to the pursuit of knowledge in any sphere, but that’s just a rich man’s one-upmanship game.
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‘they are not lost—just waiting to be found’ – this made me smile! It looks like a fascinating building…
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Thanks Ingrid. I didn’t set out to write such a philosophical poem, but the words take you where they will…
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They always do!
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I love the imagery in your poem and your photos, Kerfe.
j
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Thanks Jack. I can see how so many years wandering the city with your camera has made you such a careful observer. Even if I’m not taking photos now, I’m always noticing things I never did before.
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Hi Kerfe. I’m back. I wrote a reply to Nina, and now I’m just touching base with you. I like to keep in contact with people who have expressed an interest in my blog. I’m just wondering … what kind of name is Kerfe? Is it a European name from an obscure group like the Dutch, or is it more One World Ethnic? Inquiring minds want to know.
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It’s a nickname from my youth. Like me it has no real ethnicity.
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I am glad this beautiful building has been conserved, Kerfe. I hope some economic aid will be forthcoming for the school it houses.
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Thanks Robbie. I do too.
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Wonderful poem, Marta and loved your pictures of the doors. Too good.
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Thanks Marta.
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Welcome
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Wonderful poem, photography and the mansion looks great
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Thanks Prapti. (K)
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I always love your photos of NYC, Kerfe. The theme of doors leaves so much creativity on the table. I envision a book of your poetry, each poem under an image of a different door. It would be a lovely read! ❤
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Thanks Colleen. I’m far too disorganized to ever put a book together. But if I did, I would want the words paired with art of some kind.
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Absolutely! Birds or doors! It would be amazing! 😍🕊🚪
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Wow, amazing share. I loved this, the poetry and the reality that feels like fantasy to me🙏🏾💜
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Thanks Jude. It’s quite a house.
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🙏🏾
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Kerfe, do you mind if I use this poem as an example of a duodora form for a dVerse prompt?
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Not at all–I’d be honored.
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Awesome! Thank you! It will be for the 10/26 prompt.
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