Date: Twenty Seventh, December 2019
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Direction: Thomas East From Sixteenth
Intention: To Walk Alone; Listen.
Climate: Cold & Rainy
Dress: Salomon Boots, Conner Hat, Long-Sleeve Hand-Me-Down, and Neckerchief.
Accessories: Journal, Prayer Blanket and Umbrella. Mood: Depression and Distraction. Behavior: Discipline, Courage and Hesitance. Timeline: 8:30pm Depart Catalina 8:37pm Cross Sixteenth 8:42pm Witness Crash 8:59pm Thomas/51 Underpass 9:11pm Failed Direction 9:38pm North Thirty-Second 9:41pm Witness Law Harassment 10:30pm Pro- Vision 10:41pm Saving Grace Prior to leaving for my evening trek I had been experiencing feelings of sadness, doubt, distraction yet enough discipline to overcome the mental adversity. Earlier that day, I was shown a video about appreciation. Moral of the film being, in times of difficulty and/or depression it’s important to remember that others are for worse off than we, which often results with an immediate abundance of gratitude and appreciation for all things. I thought what better way to feel extra grateful while passing folks who wait hours on end for the bus and work late nights to afford basic needs all while living without the support of friends and family. Meanwhile, I am comfortable, given options to attain freedom and strong support from family and peers, able to afford petrol allowing for quick escapes far away, and able to eat when I please. I am not the wealthiest, but damn, I’ve got it made! “I glance at the Light and see Life, illuminating brightly; I glance at a Tree and see Me, standing tall and strong; I glance at the Sun and see One; this is it! I might as well give it… Give it ALL!” Themes, experiences and observations from my journey on foot: *Traffic (on foot, wheels and wings)- While we reason to believe all animals, spirits and species think the same, imagine how anonymous greater powers title us working class folks.... we crawl aimlessly in line, following one by one the demands from the queen bee. *New Year Note- Mustn’t assume everything will get better immediately at midnight, January 1or even the next day, week or month. It may take some time, so be patient. I have promised to be a new and improved individual everyday as if each is the first, and the last. *Sweet Sixteen on Thomas East- Middle class locals will tell you it’s a rough area from 16th street/Thomas to 32nd Street and further East. Blue collar go-getters will mark it another checkpoint with ‘cheap’ gasoline. That’s how I see it! In fact, I discovered a relation between this stretch of town and the desert I’m from- like critters do in the winter sensitive to cold weather rain, theft and homicide hibernate too. Only criminals left are the ones flashing red and blue. *Pace of Footsteps- I walked a little slower and a little lower to honor the ground, not making a single sound. Quick feet, was I cold or scared? You’ll never know. *Failure x 3- 1) As witness to a car accident, I failed to identify driver at fault. Regardless of whether or not the other car/driver involved had proper documents wanting zero involvement with authorities at the time, I should’ve done more and responded quicker. 2) To the woman asking for bus directions, despite not having either a clue, I am sorry for not making a better effort to look up routes and times on the internet. 3) The second incident occurred a short hour from home. It was uncomfortable to watch but I knew I needed to provide extra eyes for the individual outnumbered. Lights flashed aggressively in front of the general store North of 32nd/Thomas as a young gentleman was performing an extensive sobriety test given to him by an officer while the others stood near and watched as if the kid was a threat. According to my eagle eye vision from across the street, the driver on one foot, walking the straight line and following the pen performed exceptionally well and any other right mind would say he’s sober as it gets, but the harassment continued as the officers handcuffed him and began searching his car. My only question is what exactly do the people do when they can’t even rely on the police for help?…when it is the police who are committing the crime, who do we, the people, call for assistance? Not knowing what to expect on this walk, I was unprepared to respond effectively to adversity, accident and accusation. In moments I could’ve helped, I let fear get the best of me- the fear of consequence- preventing me from acting in accordance to my strengths and beliefs. I failed to identify a few things along the way, but was provided a reminder of the torment that occurs upon the ridges of day-to-day reality. While innocent folks are taken advantage of under the radar whether from government authorities, transit systems or corporate manipulation, those who live comfortably fail to recognize these faults within the very system we ALL contribute daily. Those being harassed and exploited are without a voice or simply a chance to defend their rights because they lack the education, resources and support. Individuals and families much less fortunate than you and I remain desperate for a helping hand, a voice and/or a friend. Please don’t make the mistakes I made this evening. Be the damn good samaritan this world needs for positive change! Son of Mark
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