A small but intense-looking young man entered the car and offered the all too familiar pitch: "I'm homeless. Could you please help me out?"
The man explained that even though he had showered and was wearing clean clothes, he was still homeless and needed our help (i.e., our money).
Nobody contributed. So, the guy added some additional commentary:
"Instead of robbing and stealing," he explained, "I'm doing this to help me get back on my feet."
Ponder those words for a moment. Effectively, the guy is saying that if this panhandling gig doesn't pay the bills, his next choice is to start committing violent felonies. Now, that's comforting!
Whatever happened to GETTING A DAMNED JOB? Apparently, employment ranks further down this fellow's list:
1. Panhandling
2. Robbing
3. Stealing
4. Jail
5. Starving
6. Overdose
7. Rehab
8. Perishing in the elements
9. Getting shot by a cop
10. Hey, maybe I'll think about getting a job!
The guy didn't win any donations or any sympathy, so he moved on to the next car.
A moment later, a dreadlocked man entered the car, sat on a plastic milk crate, and sang a fairly good rendition of 'Happy' while beating on bongo drums. He encouraged passengers to dance. No one did, but his playing elevated the mood it the car.
And that's just how quickly things can change - in a New York Minute.
Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South
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