In California there is so much light pollution you can hardly see the sky.

A distinct smell of fumes from factories and vehicles making it almost inevitable to develop a breathing condition

The people piling up on the sidewalks, thrown away like yesterday’s garbage. Belongings strewn around as if they are in their living room.

Liquor stores on every corner, where high school kids loiter. scamming how to get a beverage they shouldn’t be having.

And still the comfort of closing your eyes to hear the ghetto bird above whir and scrape the sky. The faint hum of the machine that powers it.

POP POP

going back and forth with friends “no that was a firework a gun would’ve been louder”

The mixture of cut grass, gasoline, and burning rubber embracing your nose like a nostalgic smell you didn’t realize you were missing.

Communities formed from similar situations and experiences. People longing to be- finding one another to create a space where everyone knows and watches out for each other.

Watching the kids wait outside the liquor store knowing the old heads are inside reminiscing when that was their Friday nights.

The light pollution in California makes the sky almost impossible to see

But the experiences that live within a 93 degree summer night- with a cool breeze lightly kissing the sweat from your forehead- remind you that this is home.

Being here is peace. While we don’t have stars we do have what matters.

Us.