TBT: Where The Sinners Live

...Where the devil's work is done...

They say it's where the sinners live. Where the devil's work is done. Crime, drugs, violence, lust, and gluttony all have and have had their fair share of time on it's streets. I have always been able to ignore and see past that. I mean what makes you safe? Numbers? Statistics? Percentages? Trust me, all of these things can be found in suburbia but at least Asbury Park is more honest and open with her struggle. Even through it all, there has always been slivers and splinters of hope that shine through to come together and catch the sun in a way that innocent sparkle turns into blinding light in seconds before it's then gone. Asbury Park is changing. It's becoming a better community. A better city. It's long time residents are demanding more for it. This gentrification that everyone loves to squabble about that has taken over so many other cities with its swallowing and consuming waves, complete with perpetually plaid laced labels of "organic," "gluten free," "fair trade," "cage free," "vegan," and "vintage." I'm sitting here unable to feel my fingers but I'll admit it. I enjoy being alone here. I enjoy the soft whispers and gestures of "Good Morning" that fight through gloves and scarves, worn on those who were brave enough to brace the ocean's wind. Even when the weather turns again, packing these corners of my world, I will carry this very moment with me in my heart. This stillness. This delightfully deafening quiet. Maybe you were and maybe you weren't one us some ten and fifteen years ago, hidden amongst the stars and under Convention Hall, between potholes, lifeless and still parking meters and cracked boards. But we're all here looking for the same thing; another day. Another piece of grain in that hour glass. Another chance. Another dream. Another dollar. Another cloud or two to sleep on or cry under. We're only here for such a short time. We are the caretakers of the city for just this moment. I feel the same as I did when I first laid eyes on her so many years ago... No hashtag, no filtered picture, no obnoxious check in. Just images of yesterday, coated in sand and dusted with hope for today forward, anchored in my heart.