grateful & flattered

i’m grateful with everything inside me

to those who read my work.

below are a few pieces of mail

i received while posting my work

on c********.org.

thank you to all those

that took the time to respond.

all opinions and tones were

(and are) welcomed.

please don’t feel unappreciated

if your response isn’t here.

all have been saved and will be eventually.

i’m not posting the rare negative responses

in this section.

i assure you-

they definitely exist

and will be put to use eventually.

(* substitutions have been made

out of respect and fear.)

from: b********@gmail.com

reply-to: b*********@gmail.com

to: pers-**fns-2****27774@c********.org

date: Tue, Feb **, 201* at 11:34 PM

subject: me- guy at transit museum last night dressed inappropriately – m4w – 26 (williamsburg, borough of lost boys)

mailed-by: c********.org

hide details Feb ** (5 days ago)

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I would like to thank you for my moment of nostalgia. I’m a huge fan of your work and always look forward to your next piece. The raw reality that you write about tend to suck me in.

This particular piece really touched a piece of my heart and soul. It was absolutely beautiful. You nearly made me cry.

Upon reading it I longed for the love and affection of my mother. She was very near and dear to my heart. Sadly she is no longer here. You helped bring back some wonderful memories. I was reminded of the many sacrifices she made for me and my siblings. It was

Thank you again. I will continue reading

Much Love

Bianca

Xoxo

http://newyork.c********.org/brk/mis/2***427774.html

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

——————————————————————

this message was remailed to you via: pers-vcfns-2215427774@c*********.org

——————————————————————

from the girl on the halfshell <**.*****.***@gmail.com>

to frankie.leone78@gmail.com

date:  ***, *** 12, 20** at 9:14 PM

subject:  Conversation about borough on train – m4w – 27 (Brooklyn)

mailed-by gmail.com

signed-by gmail.com

i am not exaggerating when i tell you that this is one of the most beautiful things i have ever read. everything you write is a love letter to brooklyn but this is especially so, and it is gorgeous. as always, thank you for sharing your incredible talent. do you ever do public readings? you should. people would come.

from Lauren ******* <******.***.******@gmail.com>

to:  frankie.leone78@gmail.com

date:  Sun, *** 13, 20** at 11:15 AM

subject:  I read one night stand…

mailed-by gmail.com

signed-by gmail.com

A friend of mine sent me the link to one night stand and I just want to tell you I was really moved ny every element – the self-deprecation (masked or blatant), the actuality of it all…I think you’re really talented. I hope this message finds you somehow and I hope you keep writing.

first male-written reader response:

from: Matthew ******* <matthew*******@yahoo.com>

to: frankie.leone78@gmail.com

date: Mon, *** **, 201* at 8:*1 *M

subject: sugar-writing

mailed-by: yahoo.com

signed-by: yahoo.com

Hello Frankie Leone,

An almost mythical landscape emerges from your poems, a borough of lost boys that is simultaneously glamorous, broken, anguished, luminous and funk-filled. A Brooklyn I also adore, revere, ache in, want to live in. Happy to hear you’ve started a blog ’cause this collection is gonna grow, I think, and I know you’ll find your readers: “it’s ok / I get blue / when the seasons shift too.” Your poems reach out towards the mirror and through, too, to friends and strangers who appreciate your lyric address, your unpretentious ear for the poetic in everyday speech: “from bottom-shelf gin / or middle of the cooler beer.” And “I reply to her stare / with deep forest and domino // ecstasy // not knowing why this venus / with home-made tattoos // lets calloused lips “So keep conducting your kings country orchestra ’cause

A.

“i don’t think

i’d make it a day

chilling in appalachia.”

and B.

You may inspire others to sugar-walk, stay platinum, you may keep them warm on these streets…

“you’ve just heard this symphony

you’ve just heard these streets

my streets of brooklyn.”

Go Leone, go on now,

Matthew Burgess

from: Samantha ********* <samantha**********@yahoo.com>

to frankie.leone78@gmail.com

date: ***, *** **, 20** at 4:45 PM

subject: frankie leone? the frankie leone?

mailed-by: yahoo.com

signed-by: yahoo.com

Please pardon if it isn’t you.

So after months of seeing your work pop-up on craigslist (I admit, I lurk… it’s entertaining) I got a little curious. Admittedly at first, I couldn’t stand what you had to say, it seemed like a cry for pity from a self-loathing man. As time went on and I continued reading, my negativity turned into indifference because I guess I realized my feelings weren’t too different from yours.

So tell me, when you write is it apathy? disenchantment? regret? self-pity?

I’m just slightly curious.

By the way, I would’ve messaged you on facebook only I deleted mine two months ago since it’s a terrible waste of time and I didn’t see the point reactivating for the sake of one person, and honestly your information isn’t terribly hard to find, so I might warn you about that since the internet can be a dangerous thing.

from: Janell ******** <*******.*******@gmail.com>

to: ****-***wu-2182**2541@c*********.org

date: Thu, *** **, 20** at 1:** PM

subject: Gregg Arraki Rules

mailed-by: **********.org

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i have all of his movies but 2, i met him when he was dating kathleen robertson in ptwon in 98.. he is awesome. i love his view on life.. lol anyway it made my day to ready your post. i hope all is well and u have a great day! peace

from: ********@aol.com

to: ***s-****v-21****411@c********.or*

date: ***, *** 12, 2011 at 9:03 PM

subject: i was envious of your picturesque moments at the manhattan inn – w4m – 22

mailed-by: c********.*rg

hide details: *** ** (8 days ago)

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Hey, just wanted to say if I have not already, I’ve enjoyed reading your poetry on craigslist here from time to time. Some nights it’s cheered me up from the blaring quiet ringing through myself as I’m typing away at homework for all nighters in school.

In short, thank you, and in long, do you ever publish and/or do stand-up anywhere? I’d love to check it out sometime

-Yours truly, Danielle ***.

From: Renee ****** – **********@hotmail.com

to: “frankie.leone78@gmail.com” <frankie.leone78@gmail.com>

date: Fri, *** 8, 2010 at 3:03 PM

subject: I truly saw paris…

mailed-by: hotmail.com

hide details: *** 8

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I live on the opposite coast but I love to read NYC M.C. I came across your poems this summer and the poem about the french dame is by far my favorite; until I read the one about the snob who gave you charity money. Are these true stories? I had a discussion on Yelp last night about M.C. And I encourage the homies to check out your work. People will hate regardless so continue to write and I will continue to read.

P.S. Your imagery has convinced me and my crew to check out your hood next summer

Renée

from: Delia ******* – ************@gmail.com

to: frankie.leone78@gmail.com

date: Thu, *** 7, 2010 at 10:38 AM

subject: I love

mailed-by: gmail.com

signed-by: gmail.com

** C********* ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY

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** More Info: http*****w.c********t.or*****ut/sc***.**ml

your missed connections ** poems. please don’t stop posting, they brighten my day. let the haters hate.

warmest regards,

delia

–

I’m currently getting a 528 score in Scrabble. Xi, Za, Qi! Weeeeeeee!!!!!!

Don’t act like you’re not impressed.

from: ********@ny***.**.com

to: pers-8ahcf-1968876560@c********t.org

date: Thu, *** 23, 2010 at 6:25 PM

subject: awe

mailed-by: c*********.org

hide details: *** 23

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really and truly,

that is the most incredible poem i’ve yet read. you manage to express the inexpressible with such wonderful words that reek of the spectre of beautiful hardship. i’ve read your work before and responded once, but i feel the need to again make you aware of my awe at your writing. you are the voice of tortured, feelingful new york, and just knowing that someone is capable of extracting such wild beauty out of our city is so heartening.

a million times thank you,

natalie.

from *************@gmail.com <************@gmail.com>

to P***-h***t-2129***249@c*********.org

date Mon, *** **, 2010 at 3:36 PM

subject: Missed

mailed-by C*********.org

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Mr. Leone,

I’ve recently took up reading C******** ads. I am fascinated by what you do. You are an amazing writer. You put into words thoughts and feelings I experience, but cannot output into a creative expression. Thanks for keeping me entertained. I’ll keep reading; maybe one day, about me.

*G

from: *** – ********@gmail.com

to: pers-**yhp-****2960212@c********.org

date: Sun, *** 1, 2010 at 1:10 PM

subject: paying respect to the Q(ueen)

mailed-by: c*********.org

hide details: *** 1

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I read your poem, nice visulalizations. I live off the Q. greatly appreciated althouh fully knowing its not intended for me.

from: Lesley ********* – **********@gmail.com

to: frankie.leone78@gmail.com

date: Thu, *** 2, 2010 at 11:07 PM

subject: almost sold my engagement ring today

mailed-by: gmail.com

signed-by: gmail.com

** C********* ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY

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for 2 reasons:

1. I don’t care for diamonds

2. I’m not getting married

There’s just something off about selling an engagement ring. Even if you gave it back to him. Even if he gave it back to you (Again. This time no knee, no question.) when you finally packed up the last of your things for the last time. Because it was meant for you; made for you.

But I don’t care for diamonds and I’m not getting married. This artifact of an extinct love is confusing. Ghostly. So, what’s a gal to do? There are options. Always are. One is: selling it. Which I almost did, earlier today.

Anyway, “frankie leone, just a man,” I like the way you write and where you put your words.

I’m not on facebook, or myspace, or twitter. I socially network the olde fashioned way.

Ok, alright, I do have gmail.

Gmail and a front porch – on ************, near *****. It’s an artist friendly space. Most days, a musician, poet, or neighbor can be found sitting around the table, talking. Sometimes we play in the street. Sometimes it’s just me, watering the plants.

Stop by some sunny day and say hello,

Lesley

from: Marina ******** – ***************@gmail.com

to: ****-cwkra-1958470306@c*********.org

date: Sat, *** 18, 2010 at 1:45 AM

subject: I shall call you…

mailed-by: c*********.org

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… “The Lost Boy” and I shall tell my friends about your writing, and you shall become a niche little obsession here in Montréal.

from: ****************@gmail.com – ***************@gmail.com

to: **rs-5****-1898352107@c*********.org

date: Mon, *** 16, 2010 at 12:38 AM

subject: i was the tall/tattooed guy wearing a guinee-tee on kent avenue – m4w – 25 (williamsburg, borough of lost boys)

mailed-by: c*********.org

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i read all that you leave here.

you came into this world with a wonderful gift. how wealthy you’d be if talent was money.

casting aside all social graces, may i be so gauche as to inquire if you put your writing in other places ?

the word “chooch” took me back to my childhood as it was a word my father used. funny how one word can bring back a hundred memories long forgotten. best of everything to you.

from: Sordov <sordov@aol.com>

to: “********** -2177067044@c*********.org” <***********2177067044@c********.org>

date: ***, *** **, 20** at 7:50 PM

subject: your pitbull was under the weather, i drove recklessly – m4w – 26 (williamsburg, borough of lost boys)

mailed-by: c********.org

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Reminded me of when my girls pit got hit by a car and we had the same kind of desperate ride. Loved the work man.

http://newyork.c********.org/brk/mis/2177067044.html

from: ***** *****@gmail.com

to: pers-b*fw3-186*512*76@c********.org

date: Mon, *** 26, 2010 at 4:37 PM

subject: i can’t stop remembering you (even though i’m prob forgotten.) – m4w – 25 (williamsburg, borough of lost boys)

mailed-by: c*********.org

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i enjoy them so much. i look for them.

*