I'd Rather Be a Crackhead
Plus a new Twitter and other random thoughts.
(I wrote this before the news of the Biden administration literally funding crack pipes came out, but I guess that does make this more timely)
Anyway, a short story-
The apartment complex I that call home is very conveniently situated across the street from a small, high-end supermarket. This is ideal for a guy living on his own, as I usually don’t realize I’m out of things I need until it’s too late. This past week I was doing one of my usual hunger-driven dashes across the street, in a quest for a rotisserie chicken to be ripped apart without utensils like a caveman (I consider this behavior a biomarker of healthy hormonal levels, to be honest).
The landlord of this shopping center is a one of the “big guys” here on the Island, and they’re known to run a tight ship- that’s why I was so surprised to see a strung out crackhead looking man sat outside the entrance to the store.
He was just posted up, not really bothering anyone outside belting out random gibberish to whoever walked by. It didn’t bug me at all, some people have been dealt a rough hand in this life, it’s just the way it is.
As I walked past, I couldn’t help but notice another man that was walking into the store with his family. He had just parked his grey minivan, and was holding his two children’s hands as they walked towards the entrance. His wife wasn’t far behind, and she was berating her husband. “Walk away from him!” she belted out, as the two misbehaved children tugged at both of his arms. The man forcefully yanked his frenetic kids closer to him, practically dislocating their shoulders while doing so. ‘I can’t believe I have to explain this stuff to you” the wife continued on. I noticed a look of utter defeat in the man’s eyes (that’s all of his face I could see as, of course, he and his whole brood were all masked up) as his wife continued to lay into him. He strode into the store as his missus (who was far more Tony Sirigusa than Sophia Vergara in stature) continued her tirade. Finally, they made their way in to continue their big happy day out at the supermarket.
As I was leaving, I couldn’t help but to look back at the man at the sidewalk, and he caught me looking. “What’s up, youngblood” he said as I walked past, and I gave him a polite “what’s up my man” back. (I was also kind of flattered- I haven’t been a “youngblood” since about 2011) It felt could to have this brief exchange, as I noticed how down he had looked when he was regarded as a lesser being by the sad man’s tyrant wife. I also noticed his Rastafarian patterned scarf, and his Beatle boots- the guy had style, especially for someone residing on a sidewalk. He had the air of a person who was pretty sophisticated, despite his humble situation. It got me to thinking- I bet you this guy has lived a hell of a life, seen some things.
It’s an old cliché that no matter how much money and how many resources you accrue in this life, “you can’t take it with you when you go”. Usually this is blurted out as nihilistic cope by those that have given up on achievement in this life, but from a logical standpoint, the phrase does honestly ring true. It got me to thinking- the man on the sidewalk probably has stories to tell for days and days on end. About a life lived to the fullest, life as a vagabond or a traveler. Clearly, there were missteps along the way, which obviously everyone should do their best to avoid, but nonetheless, I found him oddly inspiring. I wondered who had more of a story to tell, who had seen more of the world, experienced the thrilling peaks and the crushing valleys: the man on the sidewalk, or the downtrodden dad?
Sure, the man with the family had done the “right thing” in life, but where did that get him? Trudging along in his minivan with the wild children and angry wife, a perma-look of despair in his eyes.
I could only laugh as I thought to myself, given the choice-“Man, I’d rather be a crackhead.”
Just some food for thought.
I’d like to connect with people on Twitter- I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile, so here we go, pls follow thx:
I’ll be talking about everything from current events, to crypto and the markets, to real estate and whatever else.
I’ve had a personal Twitter for over a decade, and while I tried to clean it up best I could, I’m sure there’s some remnants of the era where you’d find your Xbox Live FIFA opponent online and threaten to kill him that could get me in hot water in the present day, so it’s best to start anew.
I look forward to connecting and conversing with new people.
That’s all I got for today, but before I go, I have one more thing to say-
Hang in there, King. We’re all rooting for you.
“Train by day, Joe Rogan podcast by night….all day!”
(If you know who said that, you’re pretty cool in my book)
Talk soon, enjoy the Super Bowl.
-John
13 February 2022
You're definitely not selling wolf tickets
i love you!!