Lightly

We lifted off into slanted golden light at that time of the afternoon when colors are richer and shapes are defined with bolder outlines. The city sprawled out into a chunky horizon of spilled caramel popcorn. Bubbles of turquoise and blue and green date palms poke up from between dusty blocks and strips of asphalt stretched taut like duct tape connect the neighborhoods. The thrust of pulling up into the air pushed me against the web seat. We rode with the side doors closed, but I got a seat behind the door gunner and got plenty of air from the open gap where he was perched. School kids were playing in the yards below; I could make out the typical uniforms of blue shorts and white shirts. Cars and trucks moved along the highways and boulevards. Multi-lingual billboards advertised electronic devices and cell phone services. There is so much that is so normal here. I permitted myself to enjoy the view.