vertical light
staircase silhouettes
– alley cat
I walk by many alleys each day as I head from my commuter train to work, right through Montreal’s downtown core. I walk past narrow alleys squeezed tightly between skyscrapers- barely wide enough for a delivery truck- or larger alleys filled with recycling bins, detritus from restaurants, and multiple parking spots. Some alleys include exterior staircases to upper floors, some are adorned with graffiti. Some include people, animals. Most have piles of garbage or detritus about, often carried upwards with a gust of wind.
Alleys exude a sense of secrecy. They are private places yet fully accessible. They are invisible places to those hurrying by on the sidewalks. People do not notice alleys. If we are to believe crime shows, nefarious activities are common in alleys.
I am intrigued by these places and always try to pause and observe these narrow, tall, urban features. They are fascinating and, in their own way, special.
Note: I’m away next week, so your next post won’t arrive until early March.
© Christopher M Buddle 2024
Nature's Reverie 