Sharon Olds’ poem “Summer Solstice, New York City” tells the story of a man who has climbed to the top of a building, planning to kill himself. Right before the man is going to throw himself over the edge, New York City comes together to stop this man from ending his life. This poem focuses on the fact that New York came together in order to save this one man’s life. From the police creeping closer to the man and talking him down from the ledge, to the people watching below, it is clear that the city has come together for this one vital moment. Olds heavily hints at the idea that New York City is just one big family that has the ability to come together when times are rough. Particularly at the end of the poem when Olds describes the aftermath of saving the man: “…I thought they were going to beat him up, as a mother whose child has been lost will scream at the child when it’s found”. It conveys this feeling that in New York City we all look out for one another, even if we do not really know each other. Despite all of us swirling by each other, unaware of who the person walking next to us on the sidewalk is, there is still a sense of togetherness. We look out for one another, something that is truly unique and special about this city.