I was listening to movie reviews on the Radio. And they were talking about Australian gothic films, Picnic at hanging rock, Walkabout and Wake in Fright. The reviewer gave a great description of Toby Grant's character an English teacher who loses all his money in a two up game, a begins a decent into hell. All the other beer-addled residents love the "Gabba", but Grant feels it is hell on earth.
I thought that is exactly what living in the town I reside is like for me. I often read about the international significance of the town I live in, and how everyone "Loves the coast". For me this place is a hell on earth, this is the place I have developed a mental illness, and come to fear. I dream of an escape, and I am happiest at the departure lounge of the airport. Lately I retreat to the edges, and only feel safe before dawn looking out to sea, with my back turned on this town, and then dread heading back into town as it wakes. I have to go a long way before I feel relax, I retreat to mountains, into the wilderness, standing on the edge of a waterfall, as far away on the edges as I can get from people.
I fear the town I live, and I do wake in fright. Facing another day amongst the people of this town is a nightmare.
Everyhwere I go I am afraid, it is like I am trial. I can't escape the anger even on training runs.