Arts & Events
Berkeley Fragments
At “Launderland”
the laundromat
that’s fixed on that
radio station
that plays the hits
from the ’70s
day and night
a homeless man
is inside
and
uses this space
for his living room.
He spends the money
he’s begged for all day
on playing video games
while talking
to himself.
Others read books.
One does pages of Math
(or is it Engineering?) problems
while his clothes spin.
As if performing
a religious ritual
a laundromat worker
cleans each washing machine
and dryer
slowly, methodically, gliding a towel
around the edges
and over the top.
As if a higher power
he reports to
is watching him.
I go down the street and
eat my dinner
at a Chinese restaurant.
•
The way a homeless person
walks directly in front of you
without looking at you
and you have to move out of
their way
to avoid collision.
(CEO’s and University Chancellors
employ the same technique.)
Without speaking
they want you to know
that they live
in your world.
The closed and abandoned
cinema.
The windows where posters were placed
for the current and upcoming movies
are now covered with graffiti.
Homeless teenagers
sit at the entrance
listening to techno music
laughing.
A tombstone
desecrated.
•
The site of the “Massage Parlour”
that everyone who lived here
knew was a house of prostitution
across the street from
the upscale supermarket
is where
“15 Luxury Condominiums”
are being built.
A large sign
announces their availability
for those who can afford the cost.
Cody’s Book Store on Telegraph Avenue
world famous
a place where
the best writers read
and signed their books
is closed, abandoned.
Has become a place for
selling Halloween supplies.
•
When I check out my purchase
at the upscale supermarket
a young man
says to his co-worker
“It’s all about property”
his dreadlocks dancing as he speaks.
He looks directly at me and asks
“Sir, are you blessed?”