meaning streets

May 23rd 2023

The phrase hit the ground running seems made for Manhattan. Despite the impact of pedestrianisation on parts of Broadway, and restrictions on driving lanes thanks to pandemic-era bike lanes and outdoor eating cabins, there is still an energy to the streets that keeps me alert and sensitised. It doesn't take long to orientate myself again to the direction of the sun, the rhythm of light and shadow syncopated across the avenues like bars of sheet music. 

Early morning I'm on the lower east side seeking the first rays of sun. I'll be back here late in the day as East Houston is illuminated with the setting sun, alternately blinding and illuminating passersby. 

Mid-town is still a draw for me. The Port Authority and Penn Station both warrens inside and out. Points of arrival and departure have their own microclimate of promise and jeopardy.

The light on West 34th accentuates its theatricality . A family holds a press conference on the street about the murder of their son. A limo door opens and a young girl hops in, flush from a sneak preview of the Harry Potter store. Dollar bills pass hands surreptitiously.

It's good to be back.