He lay there dead to the world, only he wasn't dead (I was pretty confident no one would reposition a cadaver). His location across from Central Park and next to a nice church was relatively safe and picturesque. I wondered what he did when he was awake (Only once that we went by he was gone, and that was late at night after Wicked was over. His things were stacked neatly against the wall.)
He almost looked like an art installation, someone I would definitely want to interview if I were researching homelessness. Where does he go when it's cold? How does he eat? Does he have family? Any kind of income?
I was fascinated enough to snap his photo (much to my daughter's mortification. Does that make me weird?)
Then there was the bookseller. Don't know where he slept at night, but by day he sold used books, magazines and records. I don't know how he made a living with this (were the books a cover for selling contraband?), but he had a table full of books set up on the sidewalk, which he covered with tarps at night.
But the thing that caught my attention was his car, which was parked beside his table on the street. It looked as though it hadn't moved in months (didn't know the city would permit that!), and it was stuffed to the gills with books! No room for a person in this baby.
I didn't want to embarrass him by being obvious about snapping a photo of it, so it's not the best picture. But it was a wonder!
Grateful for:
1) My home. It's not a lot, but it's far more than many people have, and we're blessed to have it.
2) My employment. Having a job you love isn't a luxury most of humanity has enjoyed.
3) Books. They bring me a lot of joy, teach me countless lessons, and enrich my life.
4) Working vehicles. They're getting a bit old. They're scratched and dinged up. One has lost all it's hubcaps. But they're paid for, and they get us where we need to go. We live lives of luxury.
4 comments:
That man is almost scary, like he might awaken any moment to jump up! You were brave to photograph.
But you are right...and made me think, yes, about gratefulness. I, too, am grateful for the things you are...your description is great. So grateful for my family and friends, church and job! And car...with books in my house. But you never know when that may change. Read on my side bar "Who, OLd Me?" who blogs today about "trust". Makes you think too!! Good post!!
Love the combination of pictures and thoughts. I was struck by the man, who looks almost cozy in the midst of the street and who looks as if he could clean up surprisingly well. Like you, I'd love to know the back story of one who can (or is forced to) make the open street his bedroom. It's a little startling to realize that my life, which seems to very ordinary, is truly exceptional in its blessings.
What heart-touching insight on counting our blessings rather than comparing our "wants" with other people's "haves." Thank you for sharing!
count our blessings yes .... the sleeping man looked so vunerable ... yet he looks so peaceful - what a life story he must have - love to you matey le
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