Yes - quite seemingly obvious that the narrator is in recovery from drug abuse, but his reference to "...Lower Broadway, and you're talking to a ghost... Take a good look - it's easy to see..." I believe refers to his prior failure as a performer in the Theatrical "Mecca" of Manhattan, perhaps lending to his addictions and (perhaps) thusly being in advanced stages of HIV or even AIDS precipitating from his former lifestyle. Thus, he can't even indulge in a tryst with his old flame - he's proclaiming himself "as good as dead" and is protecting her from a similar fate.
Yes - quite seemingly obvious that the narrator is in recovery from drug abuse, but his reference to "...Lower Broadway, and you're talking to a ghost... Take a good look - it's easy to see..." I believe refers to his prior failure as a performer in the Theatrical "Mecca" of Manhattan, perhaps lending to his addictions and (perhaps) thusly being in advanced stages of HIV or even AIDS precipitating from his former lifestyle. Thus, he can't even indulge in a tryst with his old flame - he's proclaiming himself "as good as dead" and is protecting her from a similar fate.
Yes - what a shame about he... : (
@Scotther8 no, the reference to lower Broadway is simply the location of the Strand bookstore, where our hero is "grinding through his day gig"
@Scotther8 no, the reference to lower Broadway is simply the location of the Strand bookstore, where our hero is "grinding through his day gig"