Twenty-eighth day of Lent: mainly plumbers and theatre people

4/9

An empty Ballantine Ale 40.  A dog and an old bicycle tied to the scaffolding  railing. I open the door to wait  for the theatre director.  Do the sweeping. Sit on the steps. Watch Saturday morning. Orthodox on their way to shul.  People on their way to brunch. The sirens and fire trucks racing up the street. She doesn’t come. I call twice. Most of my time, beyond church and church related people, most of my time, mainly plumbers and theatre people. Going home, fire in the basement of the housing project at 88th. Smoke billows out.