Jacob Stuggles with Democracy

 

The slight man swept the sidewalk at regular pace, side to side. The sunny day is just the sort of day that one didn’t mind outside work, he thought. Still the sun offered him no condolences for his somber mood. The country was a wreck, people were angry and his little market was barely able to exist. Sure he had his regular customers, but they had their problems and a tab with him to keep their families afloat. Something has to change… Just then dark clouds moved overhead and settled. Jacob peered at the sky and the clouds continued to thicken, the darkest gray he’d ever seen. The sun was completely gone and a gloominess lingered over the town. What next he thought……

#AnytownAmerica #Vote 

LmS 11/4/22

The morning and rest brought a new resilience to Jacob as he looked out his window. The sky held promise of change and so he’d pull himself up and start his day. He’d go forward with hope in his actions and try to only have happiness in his work today. He still felt the anxiety and fear for Tuesday’s election, but couldn’t let it consume him. After all, his community counted on him to open the store & be there for them. The children needed him… we need to give them hope. Their parents needed food for their families and may not have money to shop elsewhere. He wanted them to see him putting community first with kindness and a positive attitude. That’s what I’ll do he thought, put my community first… isn’t that the American way? Yes, he thought, it’s what the children must see. 

#AnytownAmerica #Vote 

LmS 11/5/22

Elections tomorrow customers were really rattled over the possibilities of the outcome. Jacob listened to them and offered no opinions. Remaining neutral was no easy task especially with the recent fist fights in the common area. A fight that caused Spencer to get stitches in his forehead close to his eye and the others to receive black eyes and bruising. The cops refused to believe it was a racially motivated attack, but the boys felt otherwise. An American flag strapped to the back of an old light-colored Ford was all  that could be made out.  The boys had been attacked from behind as they set chatting near the fountain. The dim lights didn’t allow for any identification and thankfully the midnight train blowing its horn had startled them and they fled. Police were looking for the truck, but it’s unlikely to be found. 

Jacob closed the front door of the shop and locked it. Making his way towards home he thought how different this town and world had become. Kids should be able to hang out in town without fear of being attacked. What had become of us? What would tomorrow bring? Change would come tomorrow either way the votes landed, but the results could be irreversible for a long time. He felt a fear for his country and community more than ever before…  Pulling his jacket closed he felt a shiver come over him. Looking up, the sky was clear with a few clouds with a hint of coral color. Better than the other night’s dark looming clouds, maybe it’s a positive sign. We need to hope he thought, we need to hope.   LmS 11/7/22