The Sliver

AMP is building a mighty edifice behind their iconic Circular Quay headquarters. We gaze out at the workers on the 21st floor, who are variously tethered with safety cords and cloaked in hi-vis. It's a busy vista, but a fairly dirty and uninspiring one. They're buzzing around operating machinery, or alternatively, heaving beams and materials manually in scenes more reminiscent of workers in the 20s, when the city was in an earlier flush of building frenzy. 

However, if you press your forehead against the window of our hotel window and crane your neck towards the north, a magical sliver appears. Suddenly a treasure box of wonder can be glimpsed between the archetypal monument and the sandstone sheathed bulk of the Intercontinental. A tall, thin window to the harbour opens up, the water coruscating and bubbly in the wakes of ferries and cruising boats. The wharves push out from the quay like grasping fingers and the middle span of the Harbour Bridge umbrellas the portrait postcard scene. Luna Park is nestled at the foot of the great northern pylon, its Ferris Wheel still, yet dazzling as the sun catches its steel frame and sears the retinas, while the park's large, laughing, leering face mocks all forbidden to enter due to the pandemic.

Occasionally, people stroll along the street below, aimlessly it seems from our great height. Others brave the pedestrian footpaths on the bustling Cahill Expressway that scythes its way between the city and the harbour. The humans congregated on the decks of the ferries seem most intriguing as they mill and bustle. Where are they going and what will they do?

Are they seeking some sweet relaxation on the waters as the lock-downs ease after months? Do they have a date with friends or family in a socially distanced restaurant or pub? Are they heading home after a night shift cleaning one of the colossal structures overlooking the very ferry that they're on? Is that family going to the newly re-opened zoo? Who are they meeting? What are their plans? Why are they travelling? So many questions...

We're happy to watch the passing parade for now: our time will come when we, too, can be among the people with plans of our own. In the meantime, we will rest and dream.