This morning, I walked through a deserted and decaying park. Hearing the emptiness enveloped me in sadness. I hoped to clear my head and find some perspective regarding recent events in Santa Fe. But no, I didn’t find perspective. The detritus scattered throughout the park saddened me even more. It was like the trash and weed-covered baseball fields were the perfect external embodiment of the crap roaming my mind. I walked through the park listening to ravens and letting the cold wind ground me and keep the anger from rising too much. When I got to the back side of the park, I saw no less than five (5) tents along a fence.

What was worse was the two of the campers were cramming needles into their legs. It’s a safe bet that they were shooting meth into their veins. I watched as they did their thing and my mind blended into the unfolding scene in front of me.

I’ve always taught, and will probably teach again, that untreated and severe drug addiction leads to either prison or death. While the statement is true, I looked at the campsite and at the two buddies bonding over their needle and I couldn’t help but think that, while they may end up dead or in prison, it sure seemed to me that they were taking a pretty dang scenic route. I’m willing to bet that they had no anxiety about an upcoming meeting or worries about a syllabus they hadn’t written. And I’m certain that the only solutions on their minds were the ones in the next dose.

They each leaned back after their respective shots. While I don’t know what they were feeling, I couldn’t help but envy their postures. The way their needle’s content seemed to wash through them made me think that maybe they’re right and I’m wrong. What’s so great about meetings with connected people who are above reproach? What is there of value in watching inept and morally bankrupt people bulldoze everyone in their path?

Then again, they’ll never have have the pleasure of listening to Santa Fe’s mayor tell Santa Feans how great things are while people live in our parks shooting meth. Now, there’s something worth sobriety…

I completed my walk through the park and I really did feel better. It’s quite a privilege to live in a city where taxes pay for a decaying park.