When it's autumn here in New York City, the air smells better. Not just around our trees and grass but even along the side streets where yesterday's garbage has yet to be collected.
When it's autumn here, mornings are still surprisingly tenable. Sure, vacations are over and travel is done, but coffee tastes better, you can wear those fashionable long sleeves and blazers again, and you can witness—if not experience the heartbreaking freedom of having kids dropped of at school, many for the very first time. (Much like life, to go forward you must let go. Is this your season to do so?)
When it's autumn here, faces are prettier, happier. ConEd bills and mosquitos are far less a worry, and memories of summer fun with friends reappear as smirks unknowingly throughout the day, making your fellow commuters smirk as well with understanding bemusement.
When it's autumn here, I can walk home through Central Park in my work suit and tie without sweating. I again get goosebumps not inside my office building but outside. Some goosebumps may provoke a usual modest nipple to unwittingly be seen through the gorgeous blouse of one of New York City's many prettier, happier women. (When it's autumn here, a good pair of fashionable sunglasses can help one admire such wonders respectfully and discreetly!)
When it's autumn here, wardrobes return to mostly black as the tree leaves turn colors. Sweaters get pulled from the backs of closets—as we wonder if we can fashionably "pull them off" for one more season. Shorts and t-shirts then become useful solely to wear leisurely (lazily) at home, at least until winter starts sneaking in under our doorways.
When it's autumn here, nights start earlier yet somehow end later. A crisp chill can keep you alert and cogent through at least any round or two of drinks with both friends and strangers. When it's autumn here, walking any of our many streets— in many of our varied neighborhoods— arm-in-arm with someone special is something special. When it's autumn here, a first or new kiss— in a park, overlooking either river, on a fire escape, among bright neons and whizzing traffic, at a bar, in a trendy restaurant, or even in your new shoebox of an apartment— a first or new kiss is just that much more memorable!
When it's autumn here in New York City, not only do I not want to be anyplace else, there is no "anyplace else".