I grew up in a large town. There were a lot of people, buildings, vehicles, and light pollution. I worked in tech and worked at big corporations. I read Cyberpunk by Gibson, Sterling, Rucker et al. I used computers and gadgets daily.
Today I find myself in a city and I hate it.
I hate the noise, the people, the traffic, the hustle and bustle, and the light pollution.
It’s too much.
I miss the countryside. The quiet. The sound of the leaves on the breeze, the birds in the trees, the combine in the distance field. No light pollution, only stars as far as I can see.
I still love my tech. I have multiple gadgets on me at all times. I remain connected to the noise, but digitally, not in the analogue. It’s there when I need it. To identify a plant, plan a walk, or to sit down and type some thoughts.
I’m still a cyberpunk at heart, but one that hates the city.
Not off grid. On the edge. An edge runner.