Darkness came like a black flag waved over the canyon, drawing back the grayness from the shores of the city, then pushing forward the individual specks of street and building lights as though in recompense.
The quote portrays the arrival of darkness as a profound event, likening it to a black flag unfurling over a canyon. This imagery suggests the dominance of night, which sweeps away the dull grayness of the city, transforming its appearance. The shift creates a striking contrast between the enveloping darkness and the vibrant lights that emerge from the streets and buildings, signaling life amidst the gloom.
This contrast emphasizes a sense of recompense, as though the individual lights are compensating for the absence of daylight. The darkness brings forth a beauty that highlights the small yet significant sources of illumination, showcasing the resilience and vibrancy of urban life even in the depths of night.