10pm and on. Having a shower a haircut a shave, way less glamorous than an act of self-care and yet in a way leaving one in a somewhat lighter, reliefed, refreshed mood. And finally, there's an idea of wind breathing through the bushes and trees of the backyard, merging into the busy noise and conversations from a dozen of balconies that remained open wide to capture a bit of cool evening air. Too: Unsolicited messages. Undesirable offers. A filling mailbox, waning patience and more filters in place to keep these things from polluting thoughts already flooded with input. At least, it's good to know what not to respond to. (Have a night of deep dreams everyone, wherever you are.)
Abend in der Küche, auf der sonnenfernen Seite des Hauses. Mehl, Sauerteig, zufällige Musik, irgendwo an der Linie zwischen Jahreszeiten. In den Höfen lachen ältere Kinder, knallt ein Fußball gegen das Metalltor, bis eine ruppige Ansage ergeht und das Treiben abrupt endet. Zwei Etagen weiter unten protestieren jüngere Kinder gegen Baderituale, Wasser spritzt, Schritte eilen über nassen Boden und verschwinden in der Tiefe der Wohnung. Blassblauer Himmel, Dachfirsthorizont und eine einsame Krähe auf der Antenne. Manche Bilder verändern sich nicht. Zum Glück.
Closing in on 10pm again. The sound of cautious steps on the floor just behind the wall. A voice is trying to sing a child to sleep. Modestly successful. Elsewhere, someone seems to have given up on practicing violin today, trying flute. Same skill set. But a bit more challenging to the ear (maybe though just because this is today not yesterday). Balconies next door are bearing chains of coloured lights again, like out of the nowhere of the dark seen the last weeks. (Also: Wrapping envelopes around a few more e-mails. But at least leaving the stamps to others.)