light vs. dark . . . sound vs. silence

I live in a very not quiet neighborhood.  I am, for the most part, coming to terms with that.  When the weather permits I leave my windows open, but this can make falling asleep difficult.

There are some noises that make you hope that driver is wearing a seatbelt.

There are some noises that make you sigh and curse the creation of the subwoofer.

There are other noises, however, that make you run to the window, call 911, and pray. . .


I was in bed but not yet asleep when I heard a scream.  I assumed it was a crazy neighbor, but something made me keep listening.  When I heard the screams again I grabbed my phone and tried to see if I could tell where or who they were coming from.  Everything looked still.

 Maybe I just watch too many crime shows, but it sounded like a woman, crying and screaming, "Somebody help me, please!"

I told the 9-1-1 operator what I'd heard and she promised to send someone to check the area, but I couldn't just get back in bed.  I got dressed, grabbed my keys, stun gun, and a screwdriver (you never know) and crept out as quietly as I could.

 After walking the length of the alley in the direction I'd heard the noise, I crossed to the end of the block and saw two cops looking at a house across the street.  I told them what I'd heard and headed back to my apartment.  As I walked I prayed, for the life and soul of that woman, for her comfort and rescue--whatever the situation might be.

Now, a hour later, my heart may be beating normally again, but its still a little broken.

Evil is like a shadow -
it has no real substance of its own, it is simply a lack of light.
You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it,
stamp on it, by railing against it,
or any other form of emotional or physical resistance.
In order to cause a shadow to disappear,
you must shine light on it.-Shakti Gawain