The City

I walked out of Penn Station at 11:30 pm and marveled at how hot New York can become in July. I walked a couple of blocks to the subway station where the temperature must have been close to 120F. The exterior temperature seemed mild by comparison.

I waited about eight minutes for the train to arrive. By then, sweat was pouring down my face to the point where it became difficult even to see. My shirt was drenched, as was the handkerchief that I used to wipe my brow.

I entered a subway car occupied by a homeless man who smelled of concentrated urine. It was a strong smell but not nearly the worst that I've encountered.

I switched cars at the next station and rode for a while enjoying the air conditioning. I kept my suitcase close to my legs to it would tip over as the train shifted over the tracks.

At my stop I noticed a shapely young woman in black tights and a sleeveless leopard-print top walking elegantly up the stairs, and I realized for the twenty-thousandth time that although the city has its challenges, it has it's rewards as well.

Copyright © 2013 Daniel R. South

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