High Rise

Miles below the city, we sit in an empty metro car. The speed with which we move is satisfying, as our journey into Brooklyn is far and our tired feet remind us of the work it takes to walk a simple mile. Rumbling out of the depths, the dark windows become picturesque landscapes impressive enough to grace the wall of a kitschy Midwest living room. The view, as we race across the bridge, is spectacular. The skyline is illuminated by thousands of feet of humming electric lights. Little do we know that in a few hours we will enjoy a much more comprehensive view of the body of this beast from the rooftop of a Brooklyn apartment, beer in hand and our breath coloring the night. With the warmth of Nebraskan friends surrounding me and the comfort of a neighborhood below me, my feelings towards the city will be much more receptive. At this moment though, in the metro, peering through the grimy windows, New York is nothing less than intimidating. John and Ben marvel at the awesome power of man. They glorify the city as a testament to the wonders of our works and the feats we can achieve. I , however, fear the destructive capabilities of a species running amok. If we can cover so much with concrete, urbanity and consumerism, what will stop us....