last night in New York (fragments)

Icy orbs falling from the sky, landing on hair and coat and skin, melting. 

Ice and snow in various shades of grey. 

Kindness from strangers in the form of a smile, an extended hand to hold the elevator at a crowded subway station, a sympathetic nod, a generous pour of red wine. 

An art installation of flowering trees and gentle conversations. 

An art installation of a solid gold working toilet. 

Dragging a mostly well-behaved toddler to MoMA, Met Breuer, Met, Neue Galerie, Guggenheim, Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Museum, and the Whitney during a week with two snow storms sometimes felt like an extended performance of willful ignorance.  

Late night porch sitting, cigarette smoking, ice kicking, port drinking, jazz listening, and talking about our mothers. 

Unexpected encounters and best laid plans put to rest.

Finding the faith to believe that the universe is kind and fair and full of love.