I stood on the corner of 1700 North Polen Avenue that runs vertically and Vineyard Boulevard running horizontally.
The street is littered with pot holes and speed bumps. The side walks are rittled with cracks, trash, and a few loiters.
The famous Johnny's Corner Store is to my left with it's bullet proof windows that have numerous aged advertising signs in them. If that's not enough protection the windows are also covered with bars. The store's once baby blue color has faded to a disgusting grey with brown water stains.
Across the street is the Nathaniel Conningway Park. If you wanna call it that, a few swing sets and 2 blocks by 3 blocks patch of grass with a rusted fence around it.
Last but not least, a three floor apartment building that extends the best of two blocks. A truly ominous sight, with its red brick and cameras. The multitude of windows are broken or covered with bed spreads, sheets, or aluminum foil.
My surroundings are filled with blight.
But the most excruciating thing about my situation is the ring in my ears from the gun shots. The increasing sound of the nearing police and the people running up North Polen.
I started to run I made it across the street.
But I'm being pushed down by a large black man.
"Get down!"
We stumbled by a white car. He pushes me underneath the car.
In the excitement and I see are people's feet scurry by and falling over one another.
A daily occurrence.
North Polen and Vineyard is the middle ground of a turf war between two local gangs.
I feel my arm get wet I look down and realise that my arm is laying in a pool of my own blood. There's a shard of broken glass bottle that lays directly in front of me. It's covered in blood.
I groan in pain.
"Shit, you OK." The man whispers.
I look at him with wary eyes and nod.
I notice the man is a - young man. He can't be any older than 26 and he's quiet handsome.
"Sorry about what happened. You almost got caught in the crossfire."
His light brown skin and green eyes stare deep into my soul. I look down embarrassed. Then I realise that he probably wants me to speak.
"Thank you,-"
Before I could finish speaking he shushed me a motioned for the on coming gunshots.
The warring gangs have been know to shoot innocents to prove their superiority.
He pulls me into him as foot sets rush by saying things like,
"They gonna get popped this time! They fucked with the wrong ones!"
"They shot up the trap on Kingsway. Do they know they fucking with?"
I hold my breath as Lightskin pulls me into his arms. Caught up in the moment and against my better judgement I grab on to his arm. Before I could pull away he took my hand swiftly in his.
The footsteps leave in an ominous silence. Only thing I hear is Lightskin murmuring to himself. It wasn't till I heard an, "Amen,"
Did I realise he was praying. I respond by making the sign of the Cross and taking a deep breath.
