against a background of scattered whistles and cheers , the old man raises his head . `` i can walk , '' she said , reminding me that i asked a question . we will then follow the city lines all the way to the council building . we got to wear beautiful gowns and have our hair all pinned up in some elaborate up-dos . `` there is no pain , '' he said , rising up . the clouds overhead spun in thick threads of black , but there was no wind . 