Scenes From Election Day

The beggar. Sitting. Back against the light post. Hand outstretched. Shivering. Filthy. You can practically smell him but for the rain and wind. Is there an election going on?

The kid on the bus. Shaved head. Dirty clothes. Legs crossed over two seats. No one can sit. No one wants to. Vacant eyes. Deep scar on the scalp. Constant putting on and taking off his hat tells some of his story. Reading pages of ink scribbles in lightlessness. What's the United States?

Fireman exits the building. Small, smouldering baby girl. Delivered to the surviving parent. Can anyone heal me from this?

Desk cop checks his watch. 10 minutes. Except for the beggar. Sitting on the bench. Hands under knees. The smell. Into the cell. Gotta vote.

Working girls need to make a living! This is my side of the street! There's the line. Waddya mean I can't vote!

Thousands gathered around the giant screen. Cheers. Back pats. Anticipation. Nervous laughter. NBC. Reality.