Graffiti Park
This was the park where we spent that cold night in December 2014. You showed me a new way to get in — a portal through the top gate. I remember that was my first time being there when it was pitch black.
You couldn’t really even see the artwork that surrounded you. So we watched the few cars that passed on the streets before us. We pointed at the Tower and the stars above.
There we sat — listening to music, trading thoughts and stories from the last couple of years in college. We were different people then, but we were excited to be with an old friend. In my head, the timing to meet you again was perfect.
We caught up. Our bodies froze in the moment. We bonded.
That evening is the reason why this park is important to me.
It was the park where I decided to walk from my apartment as I was in an altered state and you were in New Orleans in a similar frame of mind. I packed my lunch the day before to eat it there and to enjoy the beauty and the warmth of the burning sun.
I took that nice picture that I can’t find now.
It was the park where you described the view from the top as if Austin was civilization among the voluminous trees. Not the other way around, and we both were proud and happy about that.
It was the park that I thought I would propose to you at. Where we would enter from the top as we did that night you showed me, we would hang out, and I would open the box to the ring that would put the rest of our lives into motion.
But, life had other plans — still got engaged tho.
And, ironically enough, we went to Austin the weekend after I proposed, and we went to Graffiti Park.
Only to see that it was caged in. That there was a guard within the gate watching people closely as they passed by — as if it were a crime to see the artwork local artists poured their time into. This used to be open to the public.
It was an alternative for those who didn’t really want to be at the cafes, bars, and restaurants.
We didn’t get out of the car. We were disappointed in Austin — this is one of those gems that will never be recovered and will be milked for its uniqueness and property value. We drove off slowly.
At least I didn’t propose there — I thought.
On the bright side, it warms me to know that we got to experience what that spray painted masterpiece, that constantly changed every time you went, that truly colorful place, had to offer.
It was a hang-out spot, it was a place to take your friends from out of town, it was a way to see Austin from one of its weird vantage points, it was our spot that cold night I will always remember.
Thank you, Graffiti Park. You were a good friend of ours.
Thanks for reading.
