Somewhere on the Upper West Side
near seventy second street
ought to be scrawled every- and anywhere
the phrase We Heart Franks
in honor of the long-standing

Gray’s Papaya, which, despite the name,
sells primarily hot dogs.

It does sell papaya juice, too,
but no papayas.

The grilled hot dogs are great.

They used to be one of the best deals in town.
Still called the Recession Special,
at six forty five for two dogs and a drink,
it’s not a bad price,
but when you remember a buck ninety five,
it’s hard to pay that without grumbling.

The dogs remain great.

The coconut champagne drink is delightful.
If you’re in the neighborhood
and you don’t mind ignoring
that you’re dining on horse’s anuses,
you should check out Gray’s Papaya.