Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page.

270 Park Avenue

By Karen Handyside Ely

270 Park Avenue

Crowed sidewalk. Manhattan energy.

Staccato heels slap on the pavement.

Collars pulled high to shield numb earlobes.

Heads down, eyes forward.

We are missiles on a mission

as the flinty sky threatens snow.

A teeming line of ants, racing the storm.

No exit ramps on Park, just a

continuous flow of determined arrows.

All in a hurry

to beat the flurry.

Up ahead, one woman stops

Creating a ripple, a log jam,

startling the herd.

Bending down, she speaks in warm puffs

to the man shivering on the curb.

They exchange words, unheard but plainly visible.

Breath bubbles above their heads.

She hands him her coffee

still steaming in her to-go cup,

and walks on.

Movement begins anew, ever forward, but

smiles appear on New York faces.

A random act of kindness

warms even the most hurried heart.

Karen Handyside Ely was born and raised in Petaluma, California. She delights in difficult crossword puzzles, the Santa Rosa Symphony, and traveling with her husband, James.

Karen has been published in several Write Spot Books: The Write Spot to Jumpstart Your Writing: Discoveries, The Write Spot: Reflections, The Write Spot: Possibilities, The Write Spot: Writing as a Path to Healing, and The Write Spot: Musings and Ravings From a Pandemic Year. All available at Amazon and your local bookseller.