Here at The Common, we’re all about place, so we’ve been experimenting with more ways for readers to experience the locations of our pieces. Using this map, you can explore all the dispatches we’ve published set in New York City. Get to know Eli the Seltzer Man, the nighthawks on the Upper West Side, and more!
LISA ROSENBERG
There are no streetlights between the old slaughterhouse and the edge of town. The road that links them feels longer than its few hundred barren meters, proceeding above a rocky slope that ends in channel water—the former landing place of blood and entrails, arriving by chute while dogfish gathered.
KELLY MCMASTERS
Interior of a silver Volvo wagon, back door pockets stuffed with Candy Ring wrappers, pencils, and rocks; I am looking in the rear-view mirror or over my right shoulder into the backseat.
ELAINE REARDON
When I woke in the morning / and begged for stories, Gram said / don’t talk to much, flies / will get into your mouth. / I still wanted to a story. / She’d say later, after our work // She tied an apron around me, / pulled the stool to the table, / gave me parsley, cracked wheat, / ground lamb, and my own basin / of water to wet my hands
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