It’s in the news again.
I hope the coverage
spotlights the problem
to solution.
I remember
now it’s years ago
the last time
Shirley and I went there
driving carefully
parked across the street
in a gated lot
with a parking lot attendant
who said,
“Don’t worry.
It’s safe.
Cross right here.
Don’t even go down to the corner.
I’ll watch you
‘til you get inside.”
The restaurant,
Langer’s Deli,
known for the best pastrami
anywhere
and that’s why we were there
to verify again.
And they were right,
the fresh slices
thickly piled high and juicy
with the flavor
that makes you want
to never leave.
But the city’s spreading problem
around MacArthur Park
makes Langer’s
an island in a sea of homeless,
and happy eaters
don’t feel safe.
I want the problem solved.
I love pastrami.