New York City, September 21, 2016

★★★★ Light flashed into the apartment from balcony door glass across the way. A persistent film of high cloud left the light sharp but uncannily thin. By school pickup time the air had grown drier. The shade was soothing unto drowsiness. Audible splashes hit the sidewalk as a man used the three-walled shelter of half-booth pay phone as a urinal. A little girl kicked at a pigeon with real snap and intention. The thin layer of cloud grew thicker and softly banded, then developed fluffy glowing curls as yet another lush sunset spread under it. The five-year-old licked cake frosting off his shirt, then went after his presents bare-chested.