New York City, July 28, 2015

★ Across the flat waters of the river, New Jersey’s windows stared dully through the haze. Sitting down on a bench and staring back for a while seemed as good a use of the day as any. A contrail snake-bellied its way overhead. Down in the upper teens, the walk between avenues was more desolate and defeating than before. Noses wrinkled against the glare. An unassuming pile of trash bags gave off a ferociously sour reek. A very light breeze pushed against the walk back toward the river, making less of an impediment than the hanging humidity was. Even in the shadows of late day, a creeping sweat came on.