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yesterday.
here in San Pedro, CA.
took Ellroy on a walk.
soon as i stepped out in the world, my pulse slowed.
lowered, because everything was draped in light blue and lavender.
and it made Rancho San Pedro look like a town, instead of a run-down borough of Los Angeles.
everything looked so...nice.
the graffiti; the low-riders; the well-muscled curs.
even Annika's vanilla latte from coffee bean, left on the corner like some styrofoam obelisk.
(wishing she was there by my side.)
(wishing i could look into those eyes.)
nevertheless, we; Ellroy and I, walked a new path.
down towards the harbor -- aesthetics calling.
the pooch pulling.
Mandia on cruise control -- taking it all in.
rounded a corner, past the ankle-biters.
the Tamale Man.
and a fettered pit bull sporting a sweater.
cute pup.
fangs -- foaming.
eyes -- bugging.
sweater -- soiled with blood and God knows what.
so up and around the block.
light blue and lavender gradually fading.
getting dark.
getting not so nice.
ominous, even.
fortunately the compound in sight.
Marine Corps flag draped and faded.
lawn green, green.
and a pulverized privy languishing nearby.
but hey i can't complain.
80 degrees today.
dead o' winter.
and her by my side...
