Man, I just want to go outside, sit, feel the sunshine, and breathe in the fresh air on this warm and beautiful day. Perhaps I could ponder some new-age philosophical fantasies, or simply stare down at my bare toes glowing in the bright sunlight. Captivated by the idea, I arose from my tired, old office chair to open the window and allow some fresh air into my darkened and dank home office. As the window slid open I was confronted by the noise: the drone of the distant highway, a grass mowing service down the street, dogs barking, and those wind chimes that only ever play the same two discordant notes. I sank back into my chair; I'd forgotten how noisy suburbia can be--even in the middle of a workday. The noise, of course, is not the reason I remain confined to this room. It's those goddamn cameras, man. The surveillance cameras are everywhere. They watch from multiple directions and viewpoints while recording and remotely notifying their owners of my each and every movement. What is he doing? Why is he sitting on the porch in the middle of the day? Shouldn't he be at work? Maybe he is a tweaker. Should we call the police? I cannot help but wonder which is more relentless: is it the cameras or the minds of those who control them? Maybe if I just stood up, smiled, and waved at the cameras, their owners might realize that I am a harmless soul who is simply trying to sit and enjoy the present moment--alone. No no no, that's a horrible idea. One of those relentless minds would surely collect the footage and turn it into a Concerned Citizen Facebook post. A post that would undoubtedly incite an hours-long debate over my questionable behavior and give the good citizens of this neighborhood a clear, one-sided view of this blight who has infringed himself upon their own private kingdom. Yes, paranoia strikes deep. But, whose paranoia is it, I pondered as I stood up and slowly shut the window.
Posted: August 16, 2025, 1:36 am