So.... sometime during the summer.... I decided that the excruciatingly long ride from 5 points to Mercer Rd./Covington Highway was a lot better than taking the train Eastbound from 5 points to Indian Creek Train station and then hoping the 107, 186, or 86.
Now I must admit that I logically deducted that a straight shot no matter how long was better than two transfers. More time to read, listen to my music, etc. etc... I waited for the 186 at the bus stop right in front of the McDonalds, adjacent to Homeless Circle as my daughter and I officially named that spot between the rear of 5 point station to (I think that's Alabama Street) if you've ever been there you don’t need directions.
I’ve seen a guy get cold knocked out
, men sleep right on the sidewalk, drugs changing hands, you know when it’s the first of the month because the CVS is full, and the never ending hands begging you for money. It’s like the walk of the lost getting to that bus stop. They've put gates around the trees, there’s a police van or car parked in the center or somewhere near by every day, yet this has not deterred the eclectic mix of down trodden, dice players, drug dealers, hustlers, pimps, players, addicts from mixing with us waiting for the bus, those with fare (and sometimes without lol) and we the brave 9-5 fers. So a few weeks ago, my daughter walks me to the stop after treating me for dinner ( I love that girl) and the bus stop is GONE...
to be specific the bus shelter is gone. IT WAS THERE YESTERDAY… we both stopped in our tracks and asked her “do you see what I see” All that's left, is the steal remnants of where our precious shelter use to be. Even though on many occasions, the forgotten of Atlanta were right there in the shelter with us, awaiting not the arrival of any bus, 186, 1, taxi, anything, just needing a place to rest for some odd reason, that shelter gave us a sense that we were separate and somehow safe. We couldn't figure out if the bus still stopped there. No announcement, no sign, no one waiting for the bus, in hind sight, probably as confused as we were on where the hell was the shelter, when was the decision made to take it away and how long did it take them to complete such a task as removing an entire small like building?!?!
We stood there for a minute in the dark (since its the end of daylight savings time) it was pitch black and more of "that" element seemed to be everywhere in droves. For the first time I felt more nervous standing there than ever. Funny how the image of steel and plastic can make you feel safe even though in reality whatever could be done to me with the shelter, can undoubtedly, be done without it.... anyway...
Though it is true that you needed a tetnus shot, a endless supply of antibacterial gel, airborne extra strength and the smell was horrendous especially in the dog days of summer, I’m sorry to see it go and even went back to taking the train again and waiting endlessly for the 107, 86 or 186 to arrive or pull off... such a waste of time but until daylight savings time comes again... I will go through the trouble of the 5 - 7 pm 5 point rush of finding the exact place to stand on the platform, strategically placing my self to get a seat near the window.
Let us say a prayer for removed shelters (if any others exist) EVERYWHERE…
P.S. I took it on Friday, it still stops there but I think I will explore the one stop before that stop and i'm sure that may be better... peace and blessings... Seren.