Paris, Texas

When you're like this in a place, you know what it looks like but not what it means. No sign here of Travis or Hunter. The downtown now is a once beautiful, vibrant public square gone to antique shops trying to sell off the remains. Two blocks out from there and it's all but abandoned. There are a few small businesses in the downtown selling crafts, olive oil, and Paris, Texas memorabilia (not a single reference to the German director, his movie, or the sad and determined man in the red ball cap), but I can't see how they make ends meet. Property is for sale, renovations are being done, hope seems to stir. It's hot under the blue sky and brilliant billowing white clouds. But even in stark daylight there are more ghosts than people here, more past than present. Only one place for a drink I've found in town. Better start with water.