Memoirs of an Indentured Servant

An Excerpt

By Michael Anthony “Malik” Downey

A Twist of Fate (Poughkeepsie, NY – Winter 2000)

Now, in a “New York Minute," it is a blistering northeastern winter. Despite the temperature hovering at 33 degrees, I felt oddly warm and content at that moment and despite my dire circumstances at that time, I felt a sense of divine protection. God, as I believe, has always been with me, constantly performing miracles in my life, this being a prime example of such. Though some may not share my faith or beliefs, I am a witness to His true existence.

Currently, however, I am homeless with little to no money, preparing to sleep on a park bench in Poughkeepsie, New York, two hours north of New York City. It was 3 AM, and the quiet, chilly suburban town was a stark contrast to the bustling events this park usually hosts during busier warmer seasons. 

This park, which now served as a large bedroom for me and was once known for cookouts, birthday gatherings, and competitive basketball league gaming, was now tranquil and deserted with me as its only occupant. Normally filled with local basketball talent from nearby towns like Newburgh, Beacon, Kingston, and New Paltz, New York, tonight it was mine alone. I marveled at how at ease I felt during what should have been a time of despair, yet I was carefree as if I were lounging in a luxurious resort instead of lying on a frosty bench surrounded by snow.

Parked cars lined the streets above me, in front of their respective homes. My current dwelling is down an incline and lower than the main street, so that's great for me, as I'm not in plain sight. But I can see the homes from down here.

The homeowners were likely warm inside, spending time with their families, eating dinner, watching TV, and settling in for the night. I envied their comfort and stability. I yearned for the day when I could have my own home, my own light fixtures illuminating in my yard, even having possibly my own decorative mailbox. Despite my current homelessness, I was not rattled. I knew I would one day have those things.

From my earliest days as a young child up until current time, I always yearned for that feeling of owning my own home. Being settled in with my family, all the bills paid, fireplace with crackling wood going on and bright lights illuminating each occupied room. We'd be watching our favorite TV shows and just having that sense of security was something I promised myself I’d have one day. Yet as I lay there in the cold, the only crackling sound I heard was the snow beneath my feet when I moved from one wooden bench to another.

Rather than feeling like a complete failure, however, I felt relief from the 24-hour demands of my recent responsibilities and the constant pressure that had consumed me. It felt like 1000 lbs. had been lifted off my shoulders--no more negative energy, no more stress, no more unwarranted envy.

Continue the journey.
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