subterranean

The distortions of morning beyond the window offers a bright mist rising up from the Keelung river valley, creeping towards the low grey clouds from the north – a strip of clarity upon Yangminshan, where the upper slopes and summits reside, the hills tops sharp against a bright but shrinking background, horizons encroaching above and below, colour draining from the world as the clock ticks motion. And then the rain, returning sheets and darkening skies, dulling distances into pale blue sheen, remnants of the early morning view now afloat within the unsteady air.

Continuing damp and grey, the rain stops or pauses, outside the air feels warmer, the damp streets emptied of people and traffic scarce. Walking back towards the flat, through alleys reflected in puddles lingering with distortions as drips descend, scattering focus and clarity, opening into small courtyards where narrow roads contain small parks, pavilions sheltering shapes hunched over boards, sat on benches, the sound of trees, leaves upon the slightest breeze stirring, beads of water dripping. On through the subterranean passageways, footsteps echoing, pools of light where stairs rise brightened towards the street, back into the drizzle, the hill rising ahead the sounds of the traffic now behind. Rising above the low roofs 101 towering, pale, but now beneath the cloud, on the street two old men sit smoking, a broken radio between them, tools upon their bench and at their feet.

Upon the hill the paths dull figures have gathered, mosquitoes dodging droplets of rain, showers where the wind shakes the leaves, the path damp, the sun descending into the dark clouded west, no sunset tonight, lights illuminating the weaving patterns of the streets below, colouring the tower of 101. Along a muddy path and past the viewpoint, descending stairs in the dulling woodland, flickering lights dancing upon the, now, windless air, sparkling with fireflies beneath the last light of day, the sound of trickling water, voices rising from the dark glade below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u0LkrpDjHQ