“La Jolla Light” by Dan Grossman

La Jolla Light

Not the morning glow off Windansea 
but the free weekly newspaper
where local issues trump national issues
every time
issues like street repairs 
and the homeless on Girard St. asking for money.

The biggest issue of the past year
is the push towards secession 
from San Diego
hotly debated in the streets and cafes.

Walking up towards Girard from my parents’ house
I pass by the long line at the Taco Stand 
for their uber-fresh tacos.
The wait’s shorter at D.G. Wills Books
but you need to stop at the baby gate 
before entering
so the owner has a chance 
to either give you the rundown
or kick you out on your ass.

When I get to the Cove 
I see a new cafe taking its name 
from the British artist Banksy
who just stenciled a Botoxed blonde
on one of the sea walls 
meant to keep the neighborhood 
from slipping into the ocean.

At the Children’s Pool 
the sea lions are basking in the midday sun
while the seagulls feast themselves
on their shit. (Is this a metaphor  
for how La Jolla secessionists 
view the city of San Diego?)

I circle back to Windansea Beach
in time to see the surfers
in the sunset glow.
I’m wondering how many of them
will ride it out when the big one comes.

Maybe that’s the way to go.