11 Comments
User's avatar
Peter James's avatar

You’re not wrong in your feeling that something is blanketing the town. Certain areas end up becoming “cursed” by outside forces. They don’t necessarily have to be supernatural, just second and third order effects downstream from culture or policy changes.

Expand full comment
John's avatar

I’ve noticed it too. Everyone seems to be infected with something. I know I have to actively fight it. The moment I relax I can feel the darkness creeping and my world going cold.

Expand full comment
David R's avatar

The heart of this: "There’s a force at work here. Some THING that’s eating this town. Maybe it’s eating the world." And, yes, it's not as simple as blaming the political opposition. This is something far more pervasive and insidious. Shades of -- forgive me for going full Alex Jones, but the man understands the framework, even if his details slide into a bit of the lunatic fringe -- demonic influences. I don't have to point fingers to say this; I've got my weaknesses too, and whatever it is out there knows how to find your weaknesses and pound on them. I say this, not out of despair, but because it strengthens my resolve. I refuse to succumb to the toxic nonsense, not because I'm a good person, but because I'm a disagreeable person. But why am I talking about me? My comment is stupid, but perhaps traffic is a good thing, and comments encourage traffic, even stupid comments. So I'll go with it. Rage, rage against the dying of the light!

Expand full comment
Mansa Moose's avatar

Good writing here.

Expand full comment
Seattleite's avatar

Bend?

Expand full comment
Rambo Van Halen's avatar

No. Nice town tho.

Expand full comment
The 13th Grade's avatar

Wow. This one sneaks up on you and gets real heavy.

Expand full comment
Rick Olivier's avatar

Fireman FR friend says the Narcan gets used daily now in New Orleans. It’s gotta be a Fentanyl issue, too. Amazing (and tragic) the killa dope moves so far inland. Stay capable, bro.

Expand full comment
Lonesome Polecat's avatar

Half a dozen things I want to say, and they would all run way too long for a comment on the internet. Anyway, just hitting the like button doesn't do it justice, so wanted to say thanks as always for your writing. The book is amazing, too.

Expand full comment
Rambo Van Halen's avatar

🙏

Expand full comment
The last cigarette before bed's avatar

Great way of telling stories, tinged as they are with melancholy, they need to be written down. The changes happening are worth noticing and recording.

Expand full comment