winter survival north of the Mason Dixon line

Winter survival north of the Mason Dixon Line

fiction
edward w pritchard

It's intimidating the first time you close with a air sucking slam the heavy green metal lid to a stationary dumpster to sleep warmly among-st the debris of American society behind an all night diner North of the Mason Dixon line in a large American City. It takes a brave man to shut out thoughts of mice and rats and claustrophobia and grab a few hours of fitful joyous sleep. Subzero temperatures and a driving wind have a way of honing adaptive behaviors. Exhaustion and cold put you to sleep fast. I sleep well cause I don't care if I wake again but my last thought before I drift off is an accusatory " do you still love me Jesus". Then I go to sleep with a smile because I know he knows I have a right to bitch.

5AM is the alarm bell. It's a running gag among city homeless " don't get flipped up into a garbage truck while sleeping in a downtown dumpster" Garbage truck workers start their day early.

A few coins will buy a hot cup of tea at a favorite  breakfast nook. With lots and lots of nourishing sugar. Very Hot tea is good for the soul. If money for bread toasted is available douse it with honey, jelly and peanut butter..

The weather channel is available on over head TV at most of those places. Plan your day based on the weather. Grab a discarded newspaper or two to stuff into your shirt to make a "poor man's overcoat".

Then it's walking and walking. Look for public places like central bus stations or Universities. Carry a backpack with a few books to be welcome or at least avoid interference. Keep up on your reading.

Minus three tonight with a light wind. New years eve Sunday. Time for some more resolutions.