Round-Up Time

A weary New Yorker sets out on a quiet July morning, hoping to earn a little cash before doctor bills pile up. A stumble on the gravel‑strewn streets lands him in the care of a bizarre, shoe‑less stranger in backward‑flapped trousers, who darts off toward a park that seems to pulse with odd energy. As he hobbles onward, the city’s usual hustle fades, replaced by an almost theatrical stillness that heightens his curiosity.

When he finally reaches the open field, he discovers a crowd gathered in mute fascination around a strange performance. Spectators fling dollars, wallets, and applause without a word, their eyes glazed as if under a spell, while a ragtag band of musicians fills the air with a frenetic boogie rhythm. The scene feels like a surreal street‑fair caught between reality and madness, inviting listeners to wonder what draws people together in such a bewildering celebration.