Different as Always

A dichotomy. The night before was empty, tonight was swarmed. Police and paramedics try their best to take care of the masses, yet all they can do is stand around with a show of force. A woman stood alone on the sidewalk. Her barf covered the cement in front of her. She came with friends but she is isolated now in her drunken stupor. She knew not where she stood. Hurling and hurling, the fire department arrived for her. A group eventually materialized to take her away. Were they her friends or just a group taking advantage? I know not. The paramedics left without the ability to help. Barely minutes later a fight breaks out between two individuals. The police arrive in force. With nothing better to do, both Chico State Police and Chico Police Department arrive. Only one of the fighters leaves in handcuffs; the other is allowed to go home. All events of course take place in front of the same business. A bar known for its crude environment and its ignorant patronage. If I was paid for the frequency of police and paramedics arriving at this establishment, I would not waste my time writing. Now people flock to Main Street Pizza. The best pizza in Chico. The masses try to fill their bellies so as to not drive home too drunk. Chico at night. Only a Wednesday, now a Thursday. Just another day. We started on one and ended on another. The lights of patrol vehicles illuminate the street. They posture to deter. As all do, just posture. We all leave to silence and our isolated homes. It is a Wednesday. Who knows what Thursday will bring, or God forbid, the weekend.