I returned to the families table, smile on face. This expression quickly morphed. Three short steps from their table my eyes took in an extraordinary scene of events.

A short red haired young man stood on the sidewalk, the sidewalk situated across a railing from the table. His arm cocked up a glass vase perched in grasp. Beer drips down the hair of the son, young close to mom he is protective.

Red hairs friend, lean with dark curls, spits on him.

Behind red hair the bald preacher squawks . His milk crate squeaks as arm swing. Rapid delivery of condemnation. Searingly he declares homosexuality the sin above all others. Hell AWAITS

Glass shards explode off the cement.

I bound to the railing. Down the street weaving bodies navigating produce stalls children cradling corn cobs. I arrive face to face with the attackers. Eyes lock. Sadness anger drip together 

"you defend them?" he dares me

Flitting away they disappear quickly. I am lost in the crowd.