Under Current of Danger

There is an undercurrent of danger in Wilmington… It is a feeling that at any moment the shit could hit the fan. People walk together, casting suspicious glances over their shoulders, teenagers travel in packs in order to survive and the streets aren’t safe to wander around after dark.

Indeed—Wilmington maintains two faces and rarely do they show themselves outside of their naturals habitats. The day hours are full of laughter and sunshine both imbued with peace and happiness and the grand atmosphere of being in a beach town. The masses roam blissfully unaware of the chaos that creeps after dark. Lovers walk slowly down Front Street, hand in hand, stopping to stare in windows without casting a second thought to anyone who might be around. Strolling along in blissful naiveté thee thought of crime never crossing their minds. Yet as the sun sets the crowds tends to disperse to make way for the evening in all its hooded glory. The bar hoppers come in flocks, the gaggle of girls with linked arms…

The night brings on a sense of unease that tugs at the strings that hold us together. Our back tightens up and our steps get quicker. We march deftly to our cars after the movie ends and never dream of stopping to get gas until the morning. What is it about the night that disturbs us all? Or—here’s a thought—have we cast our own misgivings onto the nite? I need erase that last sentence… We all recognize the night as harbingers of hate. But why? Are more crimes committed during the nite hours? Surely that’s part of it. Or do we just imagine more crimes being possible?

But—the real essence behind this piece—is why do we do it? If you’re reading this then hopefully you’re not committing crimes but if you are… Why? Our town is a haven for happiness and sandy feet memories, not a cesspool of chaos. I saw a kid outside of Independence Mall last week standing alone with a sack of merchandise in his hand, fresh off the shelf, waiting on a ride or merely paused before walking to a car. He looked down at his cell phone, the bag hanging in his hand and at that moment it was over. Another youth ran by him, grabbed the bag, dove into the car that just happened to be passing by and disappeared. Instant.

My body filled with rage. It’s impossible to explain being robbed and denied what is yours. Now I approach each store with my guard up, expecting something to happen. If my guard falls then what happens to me? What about other people? The thief thinks this lasted only for a moment when in reality it impacted everyone for life. Let’s end it.