There’s something almost comforting about the night sky from this spot. Concealed between the tall and dark estate buildings, this concrete jungle, eternal darkness fills this little space. Millions of fluorescent stars are placed in the distance, the occasional plane filled with eager travellers seeking wondrous adventure, all harbouring the dreams of the people who overlook this place.
Dimly lit by the solemn and lone lamp; cellophane euphoria and discarded boxes scattered and left behind from a day’s graft of visits, glow in the false sun’s beam. Once bright blue new arches are now rusted; vines effortlessly entwined around each bar, climbing to freedom, towards the sky where all the dreamers live. Benches seated in a circle, discarded drink cans and cigarette butts strewn across them.
Three summers ago, from this spot, the roar of animals storming the streets could be heard; the screeching, the squawking. The distress. What for? A fight? A protest? A cause? Serpents of smoke hissed and filled the sky, whilst the distant flames licked up the sides of buildings; breaking apart this once concrete jungle.
As the rain fell the following days, the musty scent of soot and despair lingered in the empty streets. The once vibrant city was now a dull red, black and grey; the water ran black in the debris filled gutters; the city was void of life. ‘Like the painted face of a savage’ they said to describe the caged animals now. Oh how they are wrong, misunderstood is all. The trouble is though, they can’t see through this melancholy madness.
It leaves a humbling yet daunting thought. Humbling that the inhabitants of the den destroyed their own home, but daunting that it could happen.
To an outsider this place, this sanctuary, is disgusting. A travesty to the eyes of the Lords and Ladies, who would daren’t to bat an eye lid at this spot, give no care. But to us this is spot; this is escape. To us, this is home.
I wrote this awhile ago for my AS English Language coursework. My teacher didn’t like it much but fuck it. Can’t always please everyone can you.
