By Jacob Schroeder
I was standing at the open door holding a packed bag when my daughters caught me.
“Dad?”
Through wedge-shaped gap I saw New York rising. I saw ranch houses skewered by skyscrapers and neighbors trampled under millions of feet that rushed down the sidewalk. I inhaled the scent of infinite sweet and sour origins, I felt perpetual motion, I heard peace shattered by the horns of cars and the screams of subway brakes, the cacophony of voices, the jackhammers of change, the ring of freedom, the sound of being.
“Dad—” the voice said.
I rested my forehead on the closed door.
Very eloquently written, you painted an honest picture for the reader. Thank you for sharing!
Great comment on how city folk and rural folk have their different impressions of what is peaceful and satisfying in their surroundings. Good job.
Oh. Round peg in a square hole. He fits but it doesn’t feel right. 🙁
” ranch houses skewered by skyscrapers” is a very powerful image! You’ve painted a fantastic picture of someone who is struggling to live in the city. I connected to this piece on many levels.