relationships are forged
randomly and with determination
events and moments tighten those bonds
as lives connect
support structures are developed
proper alignment helped by the tools utilized
solid construction
ensures that stability endures
maintenance is an important component
…find builders who care, otherwise you’re screwed
Present Day – Two months after grand opening
“All right, everyone, settle down!” The police chief lowered the bullhorn, shaking his head, his disgust quite evident after witnessing the aftermath of the fighting and the brutal assaults that had just transpired. A bloodied mob of pre-teens and teenagers surrounded by a substantial litter of beer cans and trash stood before him. The police had handcuffed a few, but most were not. The kids got quieter as their fear of what would happen next increased. They mostly hung their heads in shame; some of them were even crying.
“For those of you not handcuffed, your parents have been contacted, and they are on their way to retrieve you. You should be ashamed of yourselves. We may need to follow up with you later about what happened here tonight. Troopers, please take the handcuffed kids to the station for booking – public intoxication, disorderly conduct, minors in possession of alcohol. And for those found with firearms or knives, log them and tack on a weapons charge too. Then contact their parents.”
Police Chief Adams had a formidable reputation. He didn’t put up with shenanigans very lightly, and he was tough on kids who acted out of line. There was only a small police presence in Cherrywood, but they were vigilant in keeping their town a safe and orderly place. Tonight’s events were not something that Cherrywood was accustomed to experiencing. But no matter, Police Chief Adams got it under control. Much like this land’s predecessors, the community was tight-knit and adhered to many social standards, kids behaving themselves being one of them.
“Stephens, if any of them look to be injured severely, tell the parents they should take them to the ER first. And check on those in our custody. I don’t want some kid to die in our holding cells. Got it?” Adams looked Stephens sharply in the eye to make sure he understood.
“Yes, sir.” He walked towards the other police officers to share what Adams had just instructed him regarding any injuries.
One by one, the teenager’s parents picked up their children—the mothers and fathers in shock as well as angry as they ushered them into their vehicles. Many parents could be heard saying, “What were you thinking?”
Yes, Police Chief Adams was asking the same thing. He also wondered what would make the town’s children behave in a way they’d never acted like before. Sure they had a few minor incidents over the years, but that was normal kid’s stuff. Tonight was behavior like something you’d see in big, metropolitan cities where street gangs were the norm. Cherrywood was a quiet community with loving people; this was not normal. He was at a loss to understand how this had all started. But he would get to the bottom of it.
TO BE CONTINUED ON THURSDAY…
I just want to hug her and touch her sweet face. But I know I have to restrict myself during these times. Being socially responsible right now does indeed count in this woke world; it’s how I can be compassionate. Then I hear of the cult back in my home town still holding mass. How utterly insane they are! They should lock the doors and call it a day, indefinitely or at least until the worst is over. We all need to distance ourselves.
I look down at my hands and realize they are the enemy that I can control.
I can’t help you resolve it all.
But I’ll do what you can’t.
Until you’re stronger,
I’ve got you.
I’ll do my best.
Please do the same.
What hurts you,
injures me too.
Let’s work together.
Then tomorrow it will be easier.
For the both of us.
with my tribe there’s peace
calm, protective connections
there’s an ease with them
We see each other.
Though we don’t know beyond what stands before us.
The reflection is a fairy tale; the image, a mask of well-being.
Or it’s a nightmare played out while awake.
More likely, people pass by being barely noticeable.
Understand that the substance of lives are not predicted in the first glance.
Let’s take the time to watch as the bios unfold slowly.
Look inside.
And find the essential being within.
You healed my past, dears.
You are present and intense.
My future is clear.
Did you know that humans are genetically 99.9% identical? Well, it’s true! 7.6 billion people inhabit this world. Being one individual in this pool of many seems like we wouldn’t be that special. A human is pretty much just a human. Right?
Wrong! Look at the many layers of uniqueness that make up a human. We are defined by the various presentations or absence of such as…
hair color
political views
eyes
disposition
age
origin of birth
occupation
skin color
health
location
biological sex
gender identity
expressiveness
education
sexual preference
status
personality
style
religious belief
There are even more details to describe who we are as individuals. This short list only mentions the distinct feature we can see or might openly share with one another. Further identifying each characteristic makes each of us even more incredibly dissimilar.
Then add to that a lifetime of experiences which uniquely influence and potentially change our views and perspectives. It is unfathomable how many different human beings there have been, are currently and will be. Not one like any other, ever.
Don’t these facts alone make us supremely rare and our existence unprecedented?
I think so.
And for that, we should all walk a little taller and prouder.
Don’t you?
When I purchased this domain I Write Her, it felt like it described me. I would make this place my safe space and home to fully explore my humanity. It’s not been as scary as I thought it could be. Each post I expose more and get more determined to share this being inside. Shedding the layers that I’ve let society add to my frame to reveal what’s been hidden all along. I’m free in a way I haven’t been in a very long time.
The decision to create here in the WordPress community has given me another bonus. This community is filled with I Write Hers just like me! Their stories and struggles, some very similar to mine, hold my attention and tear at my heart but give me a connection that is so valuable. It helps me uncover more about myself because I want to be as sincere in writing as they are in their posts about their lives.
Every day, I believe that we are all here to help each other fulfill our goals, challenge our process, and read good writing. And along the way, we make friends who we love and support.
I’m so glad I became a writer.
The majesty of my ethereal being is within
gifting me an enlightened puissance.
I am perspicacious.
I’m those things that matter
to myself, my family, my community, and my world.
It’s not fleeting.
I remain who I am in the face of darkness and doubt.
This caring, this is me.
This strength, I share with you
as we all march on.
