Homer'sWorld

Dangers in the Night. Pow, [pause], pow, pow! I wake minutes ago to a trio of gunshots somewhere nearby. I listen, trying to judge the direction and nearness, but because of the mountains I can't tell. I get up and peer out the window. It is a full moon and almost bright as day. A few moments later, as I type this, the drone of the police copter, which will shine its light down on the neighborhood in a futile attempt to find the person. A dog barks, my cats dart about, Michele's screendoor slams- she was slipping the rent check under my door at the exact moment and ran back to her house, probably frightened badly.

There have been a lot of gunshots lately. Most are the result of a paroled man who lives two blocks to the north of me. Three drive bys in the last two months, scores meant to be settled. Too bad he slapped that woman. I hope no one else gets hurt. I hope my heart stops pounding and I can go back to sleep.