The Modern Freak

Joseph decided to go to N.Y.C. He hasn't been there since 2002. So he packed his bags, went down to the train station. He slept all night long riding the rail, on his way to good ole New York City. He's been there quite a few times. Though so much to do. He loves Broadway. One day he plans to have a hit musical on Broadway. Though he hasn't found the time to write it yet.1

The sun began to shine through the window , and into Joseph's eyes. It was his alarm clock. He knew he was almost in the city. The conductor walked past Joseph's seat. He walked to the end, by the door. " New York city- be sure and get yer bags." yelled the conductor. Joseph in a haze, grabbed all of his stuff. He staggered  down the stairs, and walked through Central Station. He got himself some OJ, a doughnut, and a burrito. He noticed it was going on 10 a.m so he quickly ate his food- and2

dashed off towards Conney Island. He's been through the city so many times, though he's never gone to Conney Island. He loves coasters. He worked at the greatest amusement park ever: CEDAR POINT! In sandusky, Ohio. Or as some people call it, Cedar Point,Ohio. All his friends were there, which he longed to be with. Though was fired for himself and others writing on the doors of their apartment. They considered it art, though CP considered it vandalism. Of course CP won out. His 7 years at the point was flushed down the drain. 3

Joseph took off for the subway. He got on an E train, which would take him to Coney Island. He was in awe as he passed through the subway. All the art- even a homeless person laying on a bench drinking his/her time away was art to Joseph. He got to his stop. He walked out and over To Coney Island. Though CI was not open yet. It was Sunday, and they didn't up till noon. So he decided to go to see the sharks. He always since a child loved sharks. The great white was his favorite. He just marveled when ever a shark program would come on the bube tube. So since he had some time, he headed over to the sharks. He passed the Penguins, the lions, tigers, bears-OH MY! His heart was set on the sharks. 4

He walked over, he noticed a line to get in the sharks. He went over, and tilted his head towards the sky. After an hour waiting in line, the sharks finally caught his eye. There was the usual kid tapping on the window.5

"Hi sharkie." said the little girl.6

"Don't do that dear, it hurts the fishes ears." said the mom.7

"Sorry sharkie!' whispered the little girl.8

Joseph just stood in between awe and praise of this magnificent being. That layed trapped to be photographed, and deviled. It brought a tear to Joseph's eye. He stood for a good hour, just in amazement. After he regained his consciousness, he left out the xhibit. He headed out towards Nathan's Hot Dogs. His had one in other cities. Though this was the original city to have Nathan's. He got a few. One smothered in chili, one plain, one with cheese, one with cheese and chili- and of course some soda pop. He love his Soda! Even though it hurt his wisdom tooth. He could hear Lynne in his mind saying "Why are you drinking soda? You know it hurts yer teeth! Go dump out that soda, and drink some water." Without saying a word Joseph would always dump out his soda, and just smile as he drank his water. hough today, at Nathan's. He had refill upon refill. Maybe it was out of rebellion(which he knew he was only hurting himself.) Though he just had to drink his pop. 9

After he was done eating,he came across some side show. "If you want to see some intresting freaks,then step inside. We got a women who swallows fire, a guy who swallows swords, the bed of nails, someone who eats nails. And we got the greatest attraction "The Modern Freak"-so just stop on inside, and all your dreams will be answered. It is only 5 dollars, folks. You could save a child for a whole week- but why? When you can see freaks of all kind!"  said the guy at the door of the freak show.10

Joseph walked inside. He paid his five dollars. He sat in the front row, hoping he might get called up to the stage. The freaks came out and did their things. All the things the guy at the door said, and all the usual things that have become apparent by the side show. Though Joseph wasn't satisfied. He knew the Jim Rose Circus, and other freak show attractions. He watched his share of Jackass, CKY, and Steve-O! He wanted more, he yearned for more.11

"Was that a good show?" asked the skinny man who announced the show- with geeky heavy black glasses. The crowd docilely screamed. maybe it was out of fear, or they just have become used to it themselves. "Well we got one more attraction for you all. It is strange, and unusual. It will blow yer mind. All we ask is that you file against the wall, and as you pass the beautiful lady to tip her 10 dollars. That's all it takes folks. This is how we live, so please help us out." The entire crowd eagerly went against the wall. They each took out their ten dollars. Joseph was with them all. He was excited, for maybe this was it. The one thing he wanted to see. The one thing that may top all and everything. Maybe it was a half man/women. Though everyone has seen one of those many times. maybe it was a mermaid- or merman. Maybe it was Jesus Christ bones, or even an angel or demon. It could be anything, anything it could be!. Joseph was delighted and amazed, as he walked closer and closer to his time to see what it was. The closer he got, the more he heard screams and crys from inside the room-everyone was going. He just smiled harder, and wider. He knew it was closer to his time. He was one person away from being let in. The person ahead of him, gave his ten dollars and walked into the room. He heard a a few screams, and then a quick slam of the door. 12

"It's your turn." Said the women as she opened the door. Joseph gladly gave her his ten dollars, walked into the room. The Door quickly closed behind him. It was dark, then a little light was shown. All Joseph could see was a mirror- and himself starring back. There were a few flash and clicks. As though a camera had taken his picture. Joseph just stood their amazed and smiled. Then a voice was heard saying " You are the modern freak, your the one really in the zoo- kept up like an animal. everything you see in the mirror before you, lays as the truest freak. You laugh at those who are different from you- you turn your nose if someone wears different clothes then you. You placed your children in the jail of gender, and ask them to see only yer ways. You teach them hate, though never love. You teach them to obey, but never to enjoy or question. you expect everything to be done for you, as you do nothing at all. You turn yer eyes from those suffering in the world-you think everyone that doesn't live like you is a beast- attempt to tame them, though without an understanding. You criticize all you don't understand, think everyone is below you cause you have all the money and power- though none of the will or any soul- you are The Modern Freak!" The room goes completely dark. The door opens.13

"Here you go freak." says a person handing Joseph pictures of himself.14

"That was awesome- though don't any of these morons will actually get it." says Joseph as he walk off back towards Coney Island.15