The view from the Tenderloin
The View from the Tenderloin:
I thought up an excuse to go out (a gallon of milk), and hoofed it. I need exercise, I'm not going to sit around and get fat. Been there, done that. Cold and dreary, muted colors for a grey day. Not for long. I walked into the hood, got the milk at my favorite corner store, and as I turned to go back towards Market, a tap on my shoulder. M*****m, I'll be damned, with a big grin on his face lighting up the block. I knew where he was supposed to be, my raised eyebrows asking the question. Two hours ago, he says, I was in San Quentin Prison. They turned a bunch of us loose today, put us on a bus and here I am. He was in for non-violent offences, one of which was commited against me. I had forgiven him already, early last year, so I returned his grin and told him I was glad he was out. But, you don't have any place to live yet? No, he says, but when he sees his parole officer on Monday, housing will be arranged. He has money, they always give them money when they release them.
So, today San Francisco is hosting a happy contingent of released San Quentin inmates. It's safe to assume, my Iowa friends, that the same thing may be happening in your fair state. If so, welcome them into these uncertain times. They are citizens just like us.
Hold those dear to you close
God save the Republic
