I remember a time in my life, not so long ago, when I could sit and enjoy the end of the day out in my back yard.  That was before this obscene change in the economy.  Now the neighborhood’s changed, and sitting outside amongst the sounds of nature has turned into sitting outside listening to the sounds of certain renters who’ve gotten into houses bought up by slum lords around the neighborhood.  There is an absolute disregard from certain of these slum lords and renters for the neighborhood or the neighbor.   No longer can I be guaranteed a spot in my back yard to enjoy.  The soft sounds of nature and even the background noise of the highway are overtaken by screaming, unattended children, cars cruising around with radios so loud and base so low, it’s deafening.  Even when in the house, these sounds permeate through the walls and disturb my own peace inside my own house.

I miss my peace and time to sit with my dogs at the end of the day.  I miss neighbors who care enough to offer a wave or a smile back to me.  Those are the kind of neighbors I grew up with.  Instead, I’m face with people living in the same vicinity who don’t even look my way when we pass, or if they do it’s with a piercing aggressive stare or to spit on the ground as if to make some comment about who they are and who they think I am.

Perhaps it’s time for change.  With a much prayed for miracle, I would do that.