Showing posts with label Rikers Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rikers Island. Show all posts

15 May 2018

What Kind Of Clouds?

Is it fog?  Or is it smoke?



When it swirls around the arches of a bridge, I think most people would say it's fog.




But when it's at the Gate of Hell--or Hell Gate--it seems more like smoke.



But what about when it drifts over the city




or clouds the view of the prison?

Whatever you call it, I have pedaled through fog and smoke on my way to work.

20 February 2018

Imprisoned In The Mist

I must say, I am really enjoying my morning commutes, now that I go through Randall's Island.  Even the knowledge of what lies beyond does not dampen (pardon the pun) my mood.



In this case, beyond that flock of geese--who are free to go wherever they like--and the fog are the most un-free people in this city.  Yes, Rikers Island is shrouded in that scrim of mist!

Well, almost:  It's hard not to feel down--no, let's say it, angry--when thinking about that place now, during Black History Month.  Instead of slave ships pulling into the harbor (Slavery was legal in New York until 1827.), black people--mostly young and male--are locked up on an island.

I channeled some of that anger into my pedals. And, I assure you, it goes into other kinds of activity!