The High Street [the artery to the rest of the world]

"I lived at Damien John Kelly House whilst I was a resident between September 2019 and November 2021. The foundation of my recovery was built in L15 on Wavertree High Street. The High Street was the artery to the rest of the world for two years. The 79 taking me to town and beyond. The crossing at Pickton Road offering an opportunity to practice patience in the near constant buildup of traffic. The mystery become my garden, and Dave’s became my place of sustenance. Tesco meal deal ratings, Black Star and Bravo. Being taken to the chippy only to find out that on arrival it was in fact a Chinese. I learned about the baggie, and the world in liminal green and yellows. Scouse words made their way into my dialect as I opened in more way than one. Liverpool got under my skin. The terraced streets that sprang off the High Street reminded me of home, though these all had bay windows.

I occupied the space of one of these windows at DJK, downstairs, room 9, my desk fitting perfect into the recess. Behind me the sounds of men getting well, in front of me, the hum of life. Golden hour lights the High Street beautifully shining all the way down, illuminating the clock at the top and leading the way to Harry’s. Anna Jung’s is still the best chippy I've ever been to, and likely will ever go to. Mid-lockdown days and barbeque ribs. Smithdown opening Allerton and Sefton Park, Love Wavertree and the other charity shop adjacent which is now a Turkish barbers.

The first meal with my family sober in Eureka, long live Saganaki, Sub Umbra Floreo. In the shade I flourish, and in the shade of the High Street I did this. Formed a new identity and a new way of life. Met friends, role models and mentors, and became a part of, a part of something bigger than myself. A community.

Wavertree lit something inside me, drew me in, and incubated a curiosity for life I still carry today." (Transcript)