Jackhammers were pummeling asphalt. I awoke to the sound, got out of bed and peered outside my window. Down the street, men in phosphorescent green vests were directing cars and construction vehicles between the orange cones. Hoping to sleep I stepped out and asked,”Will you be here long?”
“The water main broke,” a man in a hard-hat replied.
“We’ll be done in a couple of hours. Then we’ll be moving along.”
The men were kind. They asked me where I came from and why I was here. I told them. “From New York City? You must be used to this noise.” “No, where I live it’s quiet. It’s the songbirds that wake me some mornings.” I’m not sure they believed me. I returned to my room. Sleep would have to wait.

The day was full then went to night. And night went on to day.

Metal bars were dropping one on top of the other. I awoke to the sound, got out of bed and peered outside my window. Across the street, men in phosphorescent green vests were directing construction vehicles between the orange cones. Scaffolding was being assembled, cyclone fences too. There was no need to ask. They were not moving along anytime soon. This was not a water main break, but a major construction project. I put in my ear plugs and adjusted the room fan to high, but the sound of the metallic clanging carried on. It was a relief to know the work day ended at five.

The day was full then went to night. And night went on to day.

An electric saw was buzzing. I awoke to the sound, got out of bed and peered outside my window. Men in phosphorescent green vests were standing amongst orange cones. One man was guiding a huge swirling blade carving up the sidewalk below.