Today Masala and I went to this random "park" that has a bizarre, small golf course and a baseball field. It sits just behind an elderly center - to give you an idea of the craziness of this tiny town. We go there so I can cage Masala into the ballfield and let him run around off-leash; it's an easy way for him to get exercise, and few things in life give me the kind of joy that I get when I see his little face as he sprints around full-speed ahead.
Before I let him off-leash, I make a point of walking him around on-leash first. He learns the parameters, and also learns that he doesn't get to run around like a banshee until he behaves appropriately.
The dugouts at this field are the in-ground kind, with three walls of cinder block entrenched in the earth, steps up to the field, and a wire fence so those inside can see the game. I noticed something in one of the dugouts and went to take a closer look (ordinarily we stay in the outfield). First I saw some old cushions, presumably from a couch. Then, at the other end, I saw more cushions, a mattress?!, blankets, and some work boots.
Holy shit. Holy. Shit! Did I just stumble upon a sleeping homeless person? For whatever reason, I was scared to death. Upon reflection, I realize this was almost completely ludicrous, but at the time, I just really, really did not want a confrontation with Hobo John.
Curiousity killed the cat, though, and we all know that I walked even closer to investigate the scene. I never actually got down into the dugout, but I did a quick canvass and determined that this person was no longer sleeping; indeed he/she/they was nowhere to be found. I noticed a jar of Gatorade and some grocery bags.
First, I was relieved...and then I began to wonder. Where was this person? What did they do all day? Was it more than one person? Were they hiding in the woods, watching me? I didn't stick around to gather any more clues - there was running around to be done, and I wanted to get the hell out of dodge before sundown.
I made my way to the outfield and as I did, I glanced up to notice that above the dugout, stenciled in white letters: HOME.
5 comments:
This is seriously the saddest post I've ever read.
when I was first reading it, I was thinking you'd stumbled upon some lovers hideaway/makeout location!
It was a very poignant moment reading the HOME logo. very cool. in a sad way, though, I guess.
I had the same first thought as Andria. Clearly we are from a small town. :)
This post was both beautiful and sad. I can't help but keep thinking about the person(s) whenever I read or experience something like this.
Great post, Nik. Makes me think...about all those people I never think about...
What a heartbreaking, but fantastic, story.
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