Raindogblue

Exasperation

 

 

Completing a drunk and down call, I shook a transient's hand.

 

As I walked away, his old lady said to him, "Whydja do that?"

 

In an exasperated tone, the man said, "Cuz, he offered me his ha-and."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Cuts

 

Due to budget cuts, being two under with be the new norm. 

For Afternoons, three districts will sit empty. 

 

 

Alter: Boy

 

 

 

 

Adhered

Tonight, my custody's belly button ring 
had adhered to her skin. It was sealed 
inside an old scab.

 

 

T-Day

 

G, Midnight Man, Chicago Mike and I

all have been granted Thanksgiving off. 

 

We are the only four who put in for the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Desperate

 

In the deluge of a November monsoon,

a junkie using a blanket for a burqa

strides up to my car shivering.

 

"Hey, man. I got a warrant man."

 

He's cold, looking for a warm place to stay,

even if it is jail.

 

If you have a warrant, I'll take you in. 

What's your name.

 

I run him.

 

The box doesn't alert.

 

He's a sex offender.

He's on parole.

He's clear.

 

I have County Records run a hand check. 

Nada.

 

You're clear.

 

"WHAT?"

 

There's no warrant. The judge must not

have signed the paperwork yet.

 

He rolls his eyes, stomps away, and shouts,

"I can't fucking believe it!"

 

 

Between Giddiness to Gibberish

 

Tonight's second pitch, switching between giddiness to gibberish,

said to me, "I love you. Even though your face is a mask.

I love you. You wear a mask for your job. I respect that.

You have to wear a mask for your job."

 

 

 

Less is Less

As of today, unless told otherwise,

all A Shift OT shifts end at 2300. 

There will be fewer officers taking calls,

patrolling neighbors, and available as cover.

 

 

Honesty

 

In the LP office of the Red Star department store, I am talking to a pinch. 

 

What's the needle for?

 

That's a possibility.

 

Most of the shoplift custodies at this store steal to support their heroin habit.

I grab the open box of his cigarettes. It's one of the usual hiding places. I tilt it. 

An aluminum votive candle holder is inside. It's burnt on the side and bottom. 

 

If you are diabetic, why go have a cooker?

 

"I don't have a cooker."

 

I stare him down.

 

"That's not a cooker."

 

I've been doing this for twenty years and you are telling me this is not a cooker?

 

He mumbles.

 

Remember when I started this interview, I told you I would be fair to you and not lie. I told you I expected you to do the same and would be disappointed if you did. Do you want to disappoint me?

 

He sighs. He drops his eyes and his shoulders down.

 

He says, "I'm embarrassed."

 

Why are you embarrassed?

 

"Because I am using heroin."

 

Sir, I am sorry you are using heroin, but it is hard to be on the street and not use. I hope one day you get clean and stay that way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stand

 

 

 

 

 

Please, click on the photo.