Homelessworld

I’m often in what I can only call homelessworld. There are three environments of homelessworld, all of which are distinct: the homeless encampment in the woods that looks like the Pacific Northwest, the concrete “park” in some urban environment, and literally skid row as in a dream-replica of Downtown LA.

The homeless encampment in the woods is absolutely massive. I mean there’s acres and acres of woods, and encampments within encampments. You enter the woods and pretty much directly ahead is the lake. There’s one encampment right by the beginning of the path that goes around the lake, and one deeper into the woods on the other side of the lake. Then there’s a whole bunch beyond that but I’ve only stayed in those two areas. You can walk the path around the lake to get between the two or walk through a dense forest to get back and forth.

The concrete park is a relatively new one. It feels kind of like McPherson Square in Kensington Philly, but there’s also like a skatepark kind of embedded in it. There’s always a shit ton of people totally doped out and nodding off while standing up. I never know why the fuck I’m there but I’m always trying to leave the area asap and constantly paranoid I’m going to get robbed or stabbed.

Then there’s the skid row replica. It’s literally just skid row in Downtown LA. Usually I’m wandering around near San Pedro or San Julian, trying to figure out how to get to the beach while watching the sun go down. Sometimes I’m wandering in and out of random nearby bars and restaurants too, looking for someone. I never seem to find them but I can feel their energy get stronger when I get closer to them. But I never actually find and see them.

I used to go to schoolworld every night, but lately I’m in homelessworld most of the time. This better not be foreshadowing.