warlock

I was on the phone with the cute boy tonight as I pulled into the parking lot.

It was empty...save for me.

I mentioned that the emptiness...
while generally relished...
had started to creep me out.

I often let my imagination get the better of me.

His advice...don't talk to or go with anyone.
And...keep your fist clenched until you hit bone.

I assured him...
I keep my key grasped between my fingers like a weapon.

With that...I started off on my usual hike.

Wouldn't you know it...not ten minutes in...
I came upon a guy pissing on the trail.

Nice.

For close to twenty years I've been hiking Hoyt.
I have never felt unsafe in these woods.

But every now & then...
I do get spooked.

I see things...


...the warlock that watches over me as I trudge up the hill.

Cursed imagination...

saturday boys

equinox

First day of Fall.

Hot.  Arid.

It didn't surprise me that some woman was yelling at me....asking me if I knew CPR...as I drove up & pulled into the parking lot at Hoyt. I had already pulled over twice on my drive home from work....to let an ambulance and then a firetruck pass.  Lots of sirens tonight....I had noted.

I nodded and parked, quickly running down to the small crowd that had gathered.  Probably a crap shoot on her part...but none of the other bystanders seemed to offer any knowledge.

There on the cement lay a boy in his early 20s barely breathing and a pale shade of grey.

Does he have a pulse?...I asked.

Yes.  Very weak.

Was he working out?

We don't know.

I found him in his car slumped over...offered a gentleman.  We carried him out.

 

Did you call an ambulance?

Yes.

As I was assessing the situation...the fire truck pulled up. I stepped back as the firemen & emt's began asking the same questions...going about their business of reviving the boy. I could see fresh tracks in his right arm.  The firemen also pointed this out...and asked what he had taken.

Nobody knew.

Nobody knew who he was.

I stood there watching them work....mesmerized.  My analytical brain had taken over.  No panic.  Only questions & curiosity.  Analyzing every move they made.  Inching closer....to watch & learn.

And...as quickly as the crisis had started....it was over.  The ambulance arrived as the boy was rousing.  The colour coming back to his cheeks.

So I turned and made my way up the hill.... to 4 miles of empty trail.  Thankful for the solitude.

sketched

she sat quietly at the bar...crayon busily flying over paper

she left this with her tip...

foggy

some days...
the fog
...feels good