La Luz

I recently saw a link to a blog that was posted on facebook by a complete stranger and commented on by a friend. It is called (don't check it out if you will be deeply offended by inner-city vernacular) ghetto hikes. The blog's author posts quotes from the kids who he takes on nature hikes. (favorite quote "I ain't no snich or nuffin but Denny back there shovin colored rocks in his pockets. Homie lootin the forest!") As I looked at the blog I had a total flashback to a recent hike. I couple of weeks ago I went with a some friends to hike the la luz trail...

On the way down we came upon what appeared to be some kind of youth group. The adult leaders had the kids let us pass and then they continued down behind us - this is how I became privy to one of my favorite overheard conversations of all time.

There was a group of three or four young men hiking right behind me and this is a piece of their conversation as I remember it.

Youth #1"Man, watch out you gonna fall off"
Youth #2"If I fell off would you jump after me"
Youth #1"What's wrong with you, I'm not jumping off"
Youth#2 "You wouldn't even try to save me"
Youth#1" I would probably lay down on my stomach and hold out my hand to you or try and catch the hood of your jacket, but I'm not jumpin off and dying just cuz your an idiot"
Youth #3 "If you try and kill yourself you'll get arrested"
Youth # 2 "what the h are you talking about"
Youth # 3 "If you jump of the trail and don't die then you goin' to jail for attempted murder. If you try and kill yourself but you don't you have to go to jail for trying to kill someone, even if that someone is yourself."

Youth # 3 continued on to cite specific examples of when he had seen the "failed suicide/attempted man slaughter" laws enforced. He made such a compelling argument that I found myself questioning the veracity of his statement, and despite my initial skepticism, almost willing to believe him. I have yet to investigate further in order to positively prove or disprove the existence of such a law.