Lonely rock
I love the view from here. Its still, calm and peaceful. I love the contrast of the quiet rugged beauty around me, with the stick and bustle of the city below. Here I’m one with nature; back down there I’m another face. I’m a potential for trouble. Back down there I’m wanted.
It took me two hours to shake them. I though had the all important advantage of local knowledge. Every cut through and back alley. I know the place like the back of my hand. I keep myself fit too you see. I like to be lean. Nimble. It’s useful when you live a life like mine. Always keep moving. It’s why moments like this one feel so… special. Time to reflect, time to be me.
Of course local knowledge is one thing. Luck. Luck is another. It was lucky that big one tripped and banged up his ankle coming after me. Lucky that I found that bike, lucky that I got to the train station just at the right time to halt their chase. My Granddad used to say to me that you make your own luck. I think he’s right in a way. It’s all about the presence of mind to take advantage of opportunity when it presents itself.
Mind you, my whole life is about taking advantage of opportunity. You’ve got to keep your eyes and ears open. Always be ready. That’s where I like to think I stand apart from that mass down there. I’m always alert. I have to be mind you. With my lifestyle comes threat too. There’s always someone waiting to get one over.
From up here I’m a lord of all I see. The birds scatter to acknowledge my place in the food chain as I approach. They know I’m not to be messed with. Not like down there. It’s easy to push me around. I can’t be blamed for anything here. Nothings my fault I’m just at one with the world.
I can see the lights. I know they’re getting closer. I don’t care. I’m at peace. I did what I did. They can take me, they can lock me away, but I know something they don’t. I understand that to survive we all have to take a little. They all take, they just don’t know they are doing it. We all exploit someone. Maybe the kids making your cheap clothes or your phone. Maybe it’s your partner, with familiar over reliance. Maybe it’s the idea you stole to get ahead. Everyone exploits someone. I exploit the stupid and the lazy. I take what I need because I have the right to survive. Don’t I?
They’ve arrived. I don’t need to run. I know what’s coming. The sarcasm and smart arsed remarks. We’re old friends. They load me into the back of the car; I take one last look at my kingdom. One day I’ll return. I’ll be free again. The Queen of lonely rock.
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