AM: The Last Angry Word

Monday, April 10
It was sullen Monday, for reasons that Carl couldn't put to words, everything was just dull grey. As Carl ran around his apratment looking for two matching black socks the buzzer rang. "It's Mr. Long". Many thoughts raced through Carl's head like tiny dog-people nipping at his legs. "Did someone spike my pee at drug testing? Did I miss an appointment for home visit? Is this Monday?"" He ran downstairs holding a grey sock in one hand.

"Mr. Long, how are you? Did I miss a home visit appointment?" I aksed. "No, Carl I was just in your neighborhood so I thought I'd try my luck with a home visit." "You're lucky you caught me, I was just heading out for my last 'AM' tonight." I said as I tried to hide my one bare foot behind me. Mr. Long's eyes widened slowly. nodding he said "Good for you Carl, one less thing to do." With that he said goodbye and I returned to find a mate for his sock. One never can anticipate the probationary inquisition.

5:45 pm, I walked in with my chicken soup from the Greek diner. Upon entering the meeting room I could see that catering trays were laid out on the desk. "Carl, what's in that bag?" Councilor L----. gave him a hug and told him dinner was on BATF tonight.

And there was Mr. R------, he waved at me and pointed to the seat next to him. "Hey young man, how are you." I patted him on the back. "You know I know want to talk to you about your son. A friend gave me some advice for you." I gave him all the information that Lady E-Train had given me the week before. He said he was familiar with the church organziation. "I'm an old man, it's just me and my son. You will stay in touch won't you?" Unwilingly I said "Of course I will." Dinner was served: B-B-Q chicken, spanish rice, mac n' cheese and a loose salad. Later on City Councilman, Charles Barron would speak to us.

After eating Mr. L---- wanted us to talk about our experience in Anger Managemnt, good or bad. Two of the men said it was a waste of everyone's time. They've done this program at least three other times and it's exactly the same. (three times?). One man spoke profoundly and said that he didn't deserve to be here, but "In life we are all given trials to bear." Mr. R------ announced his son would be back in June if all goes well. I spoke as well, it was required. I didn't say much, I think I said "I learned mediation skills." Shortly after Councilman Charles Barron arrived, he had just finished an interview about Roger Toussant's 10 day jail time for his involvement with the MTA strike. He gave a short talk about how all felons have rights in New York State, but they are purposely missinformed. "You can vote, you can get a job, you can't be discriminated against for your crime, bet you didn't know that. It's not Florida, baby!" he said.

Mr. L---- gave us all positive comments on what we had shared with the group then handed out our diplomas. "Carl the Cleric" it read below the title Alternatives to Violence, Certificate of Completion. It made my stomach sink a bit lower, I felt the chicken bump into the mac n' cheese. I felt that thick grey feeling come over me again. Then L---- came up to me and asked for my phone number. He said he wanted top stay in touch. I felt odd but I gave it to him anyway. He said the T-shirt will be done soon. I completely forgot about it. I told him to enjoy the airbrushes. Everyone did the "guy" hug. Grabbed and patted like a farm animal, I wished them all luck.

Unceremoniously Carl walked back to the train with his soup, still bagged, in one hand. He took a seat on a bench by the court house plaza and took a deep slow breath. The sun was setting and the fragrance of Axe body spray was all over his jacket and hands. As he crossed his legs he noticed that his socks didn't match. A 20-sided di rolled around in his head.

Scores on the board:
AM/IC: 12 week course is complete
CS: TBD