When the local deluge stopped and the sky was suddenly looking clear, I made a jaunt to the nearest strip mall, where I found a pack of teenagers psyching up for their Friday night. For a few minutes I felt cool, even getting a compliment on my sweater, but then I just felt old.

Vinnie Warner stands with friends. Several weeks previously he tore his rotator cuff performing a stunt on his BMX bicycle.

Then, yesterday I was in University Heights, walking up and down Park Boulevard. While people-watching I found some of the more banal details were begging to fill a frame. I even happened on a mauve diptych while checking out my digital contact sheet.