The Commuter's Lament or a Close Shave

1991 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E, N, Q, R, S,1, 2, 3, 7) New York City Transit

The poem, titled "The Commuter's Lament/A Close Shave," was written by Norman B. Colp and was inspired by the famous Burma Shave ad campaign, a men's product that was well known for series of signs across the U.S in the 1920s. The artwork was originally commissioned as a temporary installation, and remains installed in the transfer corridor from 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal to Times Sq-42 St. The poem reads: “Overslept, so tired, if late, get fired. Why bother? Why the pain? Just go home, do it again.” The lines appear mounted on the overhead I-beams, approximately every fifth beam.