Bright sun glittering off sharp waves stirred by wind. Rounded clouds against pale blue sky. Joggers, dogwalkers, amblers all out; families with strollers, guys with golf clubs. Gull circles and swoops, finally picking his spot, settling on water, organizing his wings. (But in this fast-moving water, how does he choose?)

Last night, rain-delayed Labor Day fireworks. On the street, at first booms, people pale. Quick wave of fright, then someone points: green and gold sparkling near the moon. This is maybe not the best weekend for fireworks in New York.