i’m sitting on a bench inside the west hollywood park basketball courts. our old stomping ground. we played horse here. i took picures of a guy shooting hoops. then i took pictures of a pick up game; i was trying to capture action. i took pictures of two guys playing tennis; i was trying to figure out my film slr. did i ever get that film developed? the pacific design center has a new entrance. i am sitting in the shadow of the red building which has been under construction for over two years and is not yet finished. damn recession. i voted at the auditorium down the street; my state voted against me. i never swam in the pool here; too many tiny kids peeing in it. i swim in a different pool now; with plenty of adults who probably also have bladder issues. i was sitting in the shade but have been sitting here long enough that i am now sitting in the sun.

i sit here not because i miss it, but because it is familiar. i know where to park. i know my way around. i feel comfortable. i can linger for a while and not feel like i’m imposing or being imposed upon. i’m not expected to pay anything or leave a tip. i can just sit in the sun and be.