Don't Look Down I have lived in this city for many years, and the majority of time I have been here I have made it a point to walk fast and keep my head down. Looking at people here often means confrontation. The crazy guy who thinks that you are reading hid mind at the behest of the CIA. The drunk bridge and tunnel jackass who thinks you're trying to steal his trophy girlfriend. The aggressive panhandler who sees somebody that just might care about how he's trying to turn his life around with the help of methadone and your money. A city built on people who are just looking for that one opening to try and convince you that they have something you should be a part of. And what's worth looking up for anyway? In this town that wears thin on your soul, with its dirt and cold driving wind? Sometimes though, sometimes it's worth stopping for a moment to take a look. I was walking back from my lunch break down 3rd street, and for no particular reason I looked up. Looked up for the first time in a long time. Up towards the roof of a prominent hotel and was shocked to see a sculpture literally hanging out on the roof. It was a person, giant in scope, constructed of a basic wire frame. Precariously positioned on the ledge in a sleeping position with its arm draped ever so slightly over the edge of the building as though an automaton had been wandering through the city and found a place to curl up for the evening. Context not withstanding, it was an oddly beautiful sight to behold. From out of nowhere, in a place not at all expected, loomed an object of art that was clearly there for no particular reason other than for art's sake. Captivated as I was by that sudden discovery I began taking moments as I walked through town to look up at buildings I had at one time taken for granted as being simple, utilitarian objects. Each time, as I looked up I was surprised by the flourishes and artistic touches that loomed above me. Gargoyles, cherubs, and frescos were everywhere. Giant cement blocks that seemed like nothing more than eyesores began to reveal beauty that I had at one time thought would never be a part of this city. I don't walk around town with my eyes cast skyward these days, but every now and then I take a moment to pick a ransom building and look up. Just in case.
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