Every morning he’s there, his cart heaped with bags, staring at our coffees and scones. I always step around his mess, head to the hospital to crunch admissions, discharges, deaths, but today my caramel macchiato feels heavier, his eyes harder. I hand him my drink. He shuffles away, not even a thank you.
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Ok Linda? I actually giggled a bit when I read this... I was all caught up in the pathos of the moment and then I read the last line ... so funny!!! Not sure what's funnier, the fact that he didn't say thanks or the fact the narrator is offended!
ReplyDeleteAlso he/she works for a hospital and yet, day after day, the homeless person is stepped around and ignored.
A fine statement you have made in such few words. You're awesome, simple as that!
Given the accompanying photo, was hard not to think of those homeless folks I've encountered who had little social-cognitive activity going on in their heads. Simply felt bad for the fella.
ReplyDeleteAt least he didn't spit at her feet. Or was that yesterday and the reason for today's generosity?
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad situation with no easy answers, isn't it. You captured it all with such clarity in so few words. Well done.
ReplyDelete~jon
Excellent prose here. You captured the feeling of a moment.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you've elegantly stated the facts while letting us make our own mind up about the situation. I found it very sad. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThanks all.
ReplyDeleteI struggle every morning on the way to work with the decision--stop and get a latte or just head straight for the office? Because there are SO many on the street and I feel guilty drinking a $4 drink when folks are sleeping on the sidewalks.
There is one man I see at Starbuck's often; he usually already has a coffee, but I will buy him an egg sandwich or a power bar. Peace...
My heart always goes out to the homeless and I often give them my loose change. I remember being at a bar one time and buying a sandwich there to give to a homeless man outside, and when I went outside and gave it to him, he asked me if I could take it back into the bar and heat it up in the microwave for him. The way you wrote "not even a thank you" reminded me of when that happened.
ReplyDeleteI think we all get conflicted about the homeless and charity and what it all means. And what is expected in return. In truth, nothing should be expected when we give of ourselves, but the giver also is human and wants acknowledgement of her/his selflessness. That what I was trying to capture in this small story. Thank you all for reading. Peace...
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