37 Seconds

The triple-decker smoke detector is chirping every 37 seconds. I know because I hear it and I know the sounds of my neighborhood. Things have been good. September light, tomatoes, peaches, apples. Police on bicycles.

Yesterday I spoke to Jane and Justin two locals living in a tent in a swamp. "We could get you housing if you'd like" I offered. The police have exhausted themselves trying to help them. "Sometimes it takes 29 tries," I said to my husband. Like Jonathan Goyer who lectures around the state saving lives with Narcan. Social work is hard work. I was exhausted after talking to J and J yesterday. I hope they can find shelter before winter.