He’s six-foot two in a slight silver suit. A regular in the evening, the man strolls up 5th Avenue with an equally sterling dog. Their hair catches light near the windows of the Cartier store and makes them flash like mirrors. The people on the sidewalk part when they pass, enchanted by cuteness or angels. A woman steps aside and clearly says “Wow.” The man keeps on loosening the leash.
As they walk past 53rd, the dog slows up. On the curb there’s a tree with dirt circling its stump, but the dog goes off toward the sidewalk. When the pup comes to rest, it’s in front of a door. Behind it, some shoppers are browsing a boutique. The man checks his pockets as the pet bears down, dropping a pile of debris. But he can’t find anything, so off they go, back to the fanfare of 5th.
Later, these customers, trying to enter the store, can only make a leap or a lunge for it.
All photos by Rick Stachura.
(1) “Prayers For.” Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. November 4, 2024.
(2) “Let’s Be.” 31st Street near 24th Road. Astoria, Queens. April 10, 2024.
(3) “Eat Shit.” 31st Street near 23rd Road. Astoria, Queens. March 11, 2024.