security

gun play. seemingly two words on polar opposite ends of the spectrum. unfortunately in the world in which i exist they one in the same. seems no matter where i live there is the threat of gun violence. this time i was actually almost caught up in it. i had only gone out for just a few minutes to do a couple of things. on my way back i see teenage boys crowded around what appeared to be a growing conflict. as the boys moved into the middle of the street fists began flying and the sound of three shots rang out, ricocheting off the school building where students were likely still being dismissed from their after school programs and the 6 story apartment building that line the block.  i shot inside my building as fast as i could and warned my neighbors waiting for the elevator to take cover as the teens raced up the street in our direction heading for the park full of kids enjoying the first 90 degree day of the year.

no sooner had we all piled into the elevator and registered what just happened, police sirens pierced the air and within minutes a police helicopter hovered over ahead searching for the culprit.

oddly enough there was not even a blotter item in the local news about the incident. word is that two people were shot, but those could just be rumors. someone must have been shot for there to have been that much police activity.

these are the times when i am convinced i am too old to still be living in this city. this city that everyone loves, but it doesn't love back. this hard hearted, cold, and untouchable city that has stood the test of time. she is a city for young dreamer. i am no longer young and my dreams have faded into her hard steel edges.

my plan of action is try to make it another year in this city, then find my way into a quiet suburb. a place where my biggest gripe is my neighbor mowing their lawn too early in the morning. i haven't narrowed down a location yet but i know my next move will be out of this city that has broken too many hearts to count.  in the meantime i am looking for a temporary safe haven. my lease expires and i want to be out of this place by next month. yet, i may be forced to stay and tolerate the nuisances and dangers yet another year until i can save up enough to live in a place that safe and secure.