The train makes its soothing clack clacks. I peer from the window. The sun glints gently off the choppy surface of the Schuylkill River.
The valley is lined with autumn trees wearing their yellows, oranges and browns.
I think to myself, "Wow, this is beautiful. I love my city."
I exit the train and walk downstairs to change platforms. It's an absolute clusterfuck! People jammed in lines, herded like cattle. Septa workers barking orders and demanding tickets. People jockeying for position barely grunt an apology when they shove through or step on your toes.
I think to myself, "Fuck, I hate this city."
The 23rd floor of a downtown office building, looking down out of a floor-to-ceiling window. The architecture of City Hall is exquisite. The sky reflected off of the Comcast Building and the Cira Centre is almost mesmerizing. A pure blue sky floats over the angular tops of the offices. The Delaware River off behind the sprawling metropolis; the 3 bridges to New Jersey spiking over it.
I think to myself, "Why would I want to live anywhere else?"
The work truck pulls out of the office building's loading dock, into the miles of jam packed traffic. People yell and honk and curse. Police are blocking off the cross street for what seems to be no reason at all. Homeless people demand payment to sooth their crack and/or alcohol habits. Pedestrians yell at the cab driver who just zoomed across three lanes and ran the red light. A broken down bus cuts the three lanes into two and the potholes bring those lanes to a crawl.
I think to myself, "That's why I want to live anywhere else!"
I love you, Philly, but I hate your guts.
