Do Better, Loafhead

It was a long day, I have a class that goes till 9:30 p.m., and so I ran into hockey traffic after the game let out from the arena near where I live.  The people toddled forward in rivers of hoodies, arms, and legs in wide swathes across the road, and mostly scooted over for me to legally get by in the car.  They become car blind, and assume that it was Festival in Toledo, Spain where they have the running of the oranges and everyone Not in a car is entitled to gaggle down the middle of the street.  It was funny, sort of, if I wasn't so tired, because they weren't really walking.  Their bodies were sort of unbalanced, and some looked as though they were being carried along by the crowd and I realized these folks were the unblinking staggering.  They. Were. Schnockered.  Not all of them, so if you were there I don't mean you.

It took some time to get to the parking lot, as I was very careful about nosing the car forward gently so as not to startle anyone.  The night was cold and I had a work tote, college books, the laptop and a purse to haul in.  Well, buck up and get going.  Nearing the gate, there was a silver car with the engine running at the opposite curb in front of my building.  Surrounding the large, old tree in the snowy yard were three big galoots in knit caps and college jackets peeing on the tree.  Idiots.  Whizzing.

I kept my head down and gave them a wide radius, even though I seethed inside.  How dare you, you drunken, pinkfaced, overfed morons?  People walk there, kids play in the snow.  I hope they got tree herpes; I hope the squirrels rallied and attacked; I hope your business got caught in your zipper.   One lump was leaning in so close he was drooling open-mouthed on the tree, which was kindly propping him up.  Go ralph chilidogs in your car, jerks.

I trudged into the building only to find that both elevators were out and ten flights of stairs stood before me, ten o'clock at night.  Any muggers hiding in the stairwell must have heard the champion blue streak I let loose at the beginning and fled.  Swearing can be your friend, under proper circumstances.

This morning I heard the familiar whoosh in the shafts, indicating elevator repair had taken place overnight.  Thank goodness, for we have many elderly and disabled neighbors, lord knows how they would manage.  As an extraordinarily long week, I am glad it is done.  I look forward to now, when it is time to begin closing shutters and windows and to putting the things of the day aside.  Sleep well, sleep safe.  Almost spring is nearing, and we will gladly lift our faces to fresh sun and warmer air.  Let the day curl into a corner and wrap it's tail around it's nose, while you go forward into your own bed with your own thoughts.  Blankets to chin, head to pillow.  Good night, good people; lay all to quiet through this deep and good, refreshing night.