New York Minute 82 - Untitled

It was one of the most wretched and disturbing acts of panhandling that I can recall, and I see beggars every day. The slender young man in the flannel shirt appeared to be deaf, as his attempts at speech produced a series of pathetic, unintelligible grunts. His body lurched in violent gestures; whether his frantic movements were caused by some ailment or the abuse of powerful drugs, I can’t say, but it was shocking to witness. 

A couple of times during his presentation, the man unfolded a piece of cardboard that may have shown a written message. I couldn’t see the message, as the man stood directly in front of me, his elbow and shoulder occasionally grazing me as he made his plea. I was preparing myself to push him away if necessary. 

I didn’t notice whether anyone gave the man money. I left the car at the next stop.

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