An Unknown Privilege

An Unknown Privilege To visit the city had been a dream of mine, one that my parents had been annoying about. They wanted to come with me but I ignored them, I just wanted to blend in with the crowd. Leaving the hotel I paid to ride one of the bikes, hoping to find adventure in this city of dreams. But every corner I turned seemed to be darker, and more run down and echoed with screams. I found the streets I long desired to travel, were filled with the hurt and harassed, It seemed everytime i blink, another one appears, more ill than the last. They turn to me for money to spare ,with those poor pleading eyes. And the sight of used needles and the people lying motionless nearby, left me beginning to cry. I tried to leave quickly, but had to stop while I looked at their children, they were so small. Their parents had long given up on them, leaving those kids with nothing to do but bawl. I hopped back on the bike, hoping to find someplace to relax, But My mind can focus only on the men, with their stained smelly slacks. I thought about all the times I had gotten mad at my parents for not spoiling me. But now I realize that they gave me the greatest gift of all, their unwavering love that could fill plenty. I felt odd coming back home to my lush life, and my parents could see my pain. Instead of crying I thanked them, for never putting me through that life just for their vain.