“I’m a joker, I’m a smoker, I’m a mid-afternoon at the Legislature toker…”

Well, I’m not, or at least not usually, but everyone around me is, including, I think, the dogs, the squirrels, and a few uncharacteristically friendly magpies occupying the soggy grounds of the provincial government Legislature on 4-20. International ‘get baked’ day, a celebration of hydroponics, hot pockets, and cannabis. Also, black hoodies, judging by the similarly attired crowds. I look forward to this day every year, and I go out of my way to make the Legislature part of my walk into the river valley. Unlike last year, I didn’t see anybody flying the freak flag, other than a couple of kids with their faces painted like marijuana plants. I was hoping to see Bongman again, but he was nowhere to be found. Not a surprise, there seemed to be many more people this year. Mostly young people, or at least those flexible enough to play hacky sack and sit cross-legged on wet grass.

I have no measurable experience with cannabis, but I do enjoy late-night snacking and the occasional public gathering. Nevertheless, in my running room jacket and backpack, bleeding uptight from every pore, I stuck out like a sore thumb. No matter, this crowd exudes nothing but herb-induced affability and a slight blue haze. The seat of government never smelled so sweet.

5:48PM/7C