At 8:00 a.m. on the A train between 59th Street–Columbus Circle and Jay Street–MetroTech, spontaneous poetry readings offer rush hour commuters a moment of art amid the daily grind. In 2023, up to a dozen poets per week performed, transforming the subway’s steel cars into moving stages.

  • Subway poetry performances have increased 40% since 2021, according to MTA staff observations.

  • The A train is a favored route, with readings common between Harlem and Downtown Brooklyn.

  • Kareem Samuels, a Harlem native, is among the most recognized subway poets.

New York City’s A train, long an artery for millions, has become an unexpected stage for a new generation of poets. As platforms overflow and riders squeeze into crowded cars, figures like Kareem Samuels stand tall, voice strong above the din, captivating audiences who minutes earlier were lost in their phones. The MTA, though focused primarily on safety and efficiency, has taken note of the swelling numbers: dozens of performers now ply their words on the city’s longest subway line each week.

Commuters are responding in kind. Riders who once tuned out buskers now pause their podcasts to listen—or even record—poets delivering pieces about city life, love, and resilience. Uptown local Jasmine Ortiz describes one such moment: “I heard a poem about Harlem traffic jams. It made me look around and realize we’re all in this together.” The performances are not officially sanctioned, but the culture has grown organically, particularly during rush hour when the captive audience is largest.

Many poets find the A train an ideal venue, with its long uninterrupted stretches between stops, especially from 125th Street to Canal Street. For Kareem Samuels, whose father immigrated from Jamaica in the 1970s, the subway is “where New York’s pulse is loudest.” Some, like Brooklyn’s Farah Djalili, use the stage to address social issues—delivering verses about gentrification, migration, or lost love. Others seize the moment, riffing off subway delays and breaking through the city’s hurried rhythms with a few raw, heartfelt lines.

In a city famous for its relentless pace, these poetic interludes offer respite—a reminder that art doesn’t always hang in galleries or echo through concert halls. On the A train, the daily commute becomes a living anthology, adding another layer to New York City’s restless, creative soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do subway poets perform on the A train?

Subway poetry readings on the A train occur most frequently during weekday rush hours, especially between 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. According to local estimates and MTA staff, up to a dozen poets perform throughout the week, with increased activity since 2021.

Who are some notable subway poets?

Kareem Samuels, a Harlem native, has become a well-known figure on the A train, often performing in the mornings. Farah Djalili from Brooklyn is another prominent name, addressing social issues through verse. Many other local poets also participate, turning commutes into cultural exchanges.

Is subway poetry officially allowed by the MTA?

The MTA does not officially authorize subway poetry, but spoken-word performers generally operate without interference as long as they do not block doors or disrupt service. Riders and MTA staff tend to be supportive if performances remain respectful and brief, making poetry a unique fixture of the New York commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do subway poets perform on the A train?

Subway poetry readings on the A train occur most frequently during weekday rush hours, with up to a dozen poets performing throughout the week.

Who are some notable subway poets on the A train?

Notable subway poets include Kareem Samuels from Harlem and Farah Djalili from Brooklyn.

Where on the A train do poetry readings most commonly occur?

The most common poetry readings occur between 59th Street–Columbus Circle and Jay Street–MetroTech, especially on long stretches like 125th Street to Canal Street.

Does the MTA officially allow subway poetry performances?

The MTA does not officially sanction subway poetry but generally allows it if performances are respectful and brief.

How much have subway poetry performances increased since 2021?

Subway poetry performances on the A train have increased 40% since 2021, according to MTA staff observations.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.