an escalation of tension

 

maybe I could sense all this some time earlier but as my sons and my sister know - I've got the pheromone. Psychos and wack jobs seem to gravitate towards me. One even ran a block to the Melbourne Town Hall to exert his unique brand of joy and good will. I could see (and hear) him coming from Russell Street.

this was yesterday but the signs were there weeks ago; the woman screaming at the computer store over her latest phone plan. There are others but let's get to the heart of this story.

two days ago and the announcement. The state will be in lock down for another fortnight. I am heading to Coburg around three. There seems to be not just many but a lot of cars on the road. For a state in lock down, this seems strange. Where are these people going? Moreover, where have they been? Shouldn't they be at - home?

the term "an escalation of tension" usually applies in the field of international diplomacy. Seems appropriate that the term can apply to everyday life.

so I am near the mall and one of the local homeless is on the phone - then the conversation gets a little heated

"they've gone and put the price of smokes up five bucks! FIVE BUCKS!!!!

he gets off the phone and a mate passes by. After a little banter back and forth he hits him over the head with a Coles catalog. then again. and again.

then it is on. They proceed to lay into each other with zeal. and gusto - but with venom.

then after they break apart, with the assistance of another homeless, the phone caller screams

"Fuck this virus and fuck this lock down! I was over this shit months ago!"

"Plus they put the price of bloody smokes up! FIVE BUCKS!!!"

now this was a Monday. 

and as I was walking away down the street, I felt a feeling.

an escalation of tension.

so in the spirit of this newly found escalation, to the powers that be I have one request - you might want to cut back on the surprises.

especially the disappointing ones.