A D.C. Morning

Umbrellas everywhere available in various colors; there were pink, hot pink, black, blue, green, light green, sky blue, and the most eye-catching of all - a multi-colored striped umbrella twirled by a tall, slim, blonde, wearing a 4 inch Stilleto. She probably works in one of the high-rise buildings in the area. With a hint of embarassment, I looked at my flat, Naturalizer shoes. I shrugged off the shame, and whispered, "At least, I'm comfortable." The rain drenched everything from the glass windows to the pavements. In front of an Anglican church, a homeless woman covers her pushcart with a blanket. Then she cowers under a leafless tree to escape the rain. It was no use. On 13th street, a homeless man slumbers underneath a pile of cardboard makeshift his shoes were exposed - a pair of white Nike shoes and probably a size 9. I could smell the putrid smell of wasted food and urine. Where else would he go? There are no restrooms around.

The crosswalk at 14th was crowded. Someone's umbrella pushed mine and raindrops dripped on my coat. I stepped back, while a short-haired woman puffed her cigarette like there's no tomorrow. The disgusting smell of city streets and cigarette smoke is the worse combination of all especially on mornings I haven't had my breakfast yet. The crosswalk sign was taking too long. The lady puffed her cigarette and decided to jaywalk; she almost got hit by a cab. She looked at the cab driver sternly and continued walking; she owned 14th Street. The "walk" sign came through, and the pedestrians followed. I followed.

As I crossed another street to get to my office, I saw a glimpse of the White House on my left. I smelled the heavenly scent of coffee. If I'm not mistaken, it could be "Breakfast Blend." Across the street, the line for Starbucks was long. I went straight to the elevator, pushed 11, and relieved to be away from the rain and the busy streets of D.C. But then, it's time to put my game face on, because at 11th floor there lives office politics peppered with a cocky receptionist. Let the games begin!