Blast furnace heat. Thank the gods for baggies. Loose linens and the errant breeze make the walks tolerable, and walk he must. Not cut out for sitting in an air-conditioned office, he’s outside wandering, or at least it looks that way, even when he’s on his way somewhere, he has the mindset of a nomad. Weather can be challenging and heatwaves of summers past taught him to plan for these weeks in the midyear. The difficulties of being a dandy were ever-present, just different in summer. “As baggy as I can get without looking like I’m wearing someone else’s pants” he told the salesman. “Fabric light as air, and colors like tinted cream” he continued, “I have to walk out there…”.

Wilted collars mandate beat-up hats, both being closest to the face, and needing to match. The pressed poplin chemise won’t last the five blocks to the office in this humidity, so let’s roll up, unbutton, and get comfortable here. If we are lucky, that faint breeze will broaden the trousers, and penetrate enough to provide the sensation of seaside relief, though imagining an oceanside promenade might be counter-productive here – let’s keep our minds in the game. Trying to look good under this dome of hot air takes some concentration. Which side of the street has building shade? How far is it to the park? Is there a way to carry my jacket so that it won’t crease?

He turns a corner and out of nowhere a cold gale smacks him in the face. He grabs for his hat, just like he does in the winter when that north wind barrels through the grid. He is reminded of the dandy’s problems during those months; the unflattering bulk, the need for sturdy and weatherproof soles, etc., but just then the blower cuts out, and he’s back in the broiler.

He’s out of buttons to undo. It’s summer, so it’s either this or the A/C. Walk he must.

–Danny Grosso