It is because
Of the years that slipped into decades, and then slipped away, when the googly-eyed girlfriend became a world-weary single mother.
Of the petty trader at the roadside who the neighbourhood knew as 'Aboki', but who emaciated and died alone, in his shop, of an unknown illness.
Of the politician who rounded up his thugs and went to the home of a girl who had said rude things about him on Facebook. He 'arrested' her and confined her to his hotel room where he raped her for 2 days.
Of the child that became 'a woman' before she became an adult, thanks to her uncle's prodding fingers in her vagina.
Of the woman whose HIV diagnosis had her sent out of her marital home by her husband who hid his status.
Of the multi-talented, intelligent 40 year old adult still struggling to find their path in life through no fault of theirs.
Where I live I don't see the sun dancing on glistening leaves in the park, I don't see Japanese Cherry blossoms on the walkway, I don't see public art and inspired outdoor installations.
I see toil and sweat running to catch the rickety bus already loaded to the hilt. I see blood and pain ekeing a living from anything and nothing just to give life to the lives they gave. I see sorrow and despair crying over unrequited effort and giving in, giving up, or giving it one last try.
I do not see happy. I see sad, so I write (sad).