A Crisp Sidewalk Glide

I pushed past the heavy entrance door sweep and popped right into the outdoor air. The concrete felt cool, damp, and wonderfully wide. Right by the railing sat a discarded cardboard coffee cup sleeve, grooved with neat corrugated ridges. A little bump with my hip, and it rolled flat against the curb. Perfect ramp! I scrambled up top and leaned back against a fallen maple leaf that had dried into a crisp yellow fan. Across the pavement, people's shoes drummed past in brisk, rhythmic taps, stirring little drafts that tickled my toes. A whole avenue waking up right before me.