Environmental Literature Journal Entry #6

Since when was it scary to go out in the dark?

Ever since the weather got a little nicer, I have started to ride my long board. I like to go out at night. My family worries, but I think it's more fun. To me it is more peaceful. They are the same streets, roads, houses signs and trees, just covered in darkness.

Tonight it is drizzling. not heavy enough to be considered pouring, just the subtle misting that slowly soaks through everything. The clouds are thick and suspended low, not moon and no stars. Just the orange glow of artificial light.

I can smell the wet pavement as I push off with my foot. It's a wonderful smell, something that makes me miss summer. The sprinkling of rain is cool against my face. The wind is breezing through my hair. It is getting stuck to my skin, it doesn't bother me though. Why complain about getting wet when I am the one coasting outside? The trees that line the street are bare. They look eerie and ominous, yet I am not frightened. I am embracing every shape, every shadow. I enjoy how it feels like I am the only one here. It seems like everyone is hiding in their homes. I am the only one brave enough to explore this late.

The rain somehow makes the scent of the earth even more potent. Literally for three minutes I do not think, just feel. Feel the cool rain, the soft breeze, the vibration of my wheels on the pavement, and the semi-anxious semi-relaxing atmosphere of the night. Why are people afraid of the dark? I do not see anything to fear. All I see is darker versions of normal suburban life.

On my way home I feel like I am returning back to reality. The ride is short as more familiar cars and houses come into view. I was almost home and there it is. A dead rabbit. It was just hit. Instantaneously I feel sad and dread fall over me. It is just lying there, stiff with a blank stare in its black eye. I lose my grip on how the darkness isn't scary. Strangely I lose all my feelings, I feel blank. I don't feel cold. I don't feel wet. I can't smell the rain anymore. I just feel sad.

Who said to be scared of the dark?