A down and out person hoping today will be the day that his or her life changes
for the better?
A poor soul holding up a crumbled piece of cardboard sharing a desperate plea
for help to those that drive by on their way to whatever and wherever…
A quick look, a thanks that he or she isn’t you, a wonderment, an accusation, a
rationalization, consideration of a donation, a decision, departure.
How many consider pulling over to ask the person who they are?
A polite enquiry asking them their name and what you can do to help, just a
little bit, to bring a little hope into their lives. Perhaps questioning why
they are on the streets in a land that swells with pride at its accidental
riches.
Recognition of their value will bring light into their day.
Sure, you may be scared!
Imagine how scared you would be if the rolls were reversed and you were hugging
a corner praying you weren’t-
Standing in the pouring rain tearing your mind to shreds over how you have failed
your children, yourself, your family by ending up here on the streets begging
for help.
You have defined failure even if your demons protect you from that reflection.
The reality may be that we have failed you-you didn’t fail us.
We have forgotten.
We have bought into questionable values.
We have accepted you as a failure to yourself.
We have forgotten.
Andrew has a name and a story as valid as any we pack around, as we dodge and
weave away from joining him on a corner.
In our hopes of cocooning ourselves we look the other way so as not to be
infected by those swimming along the bottom of the tank.
We have forgotten.
Floyyd has a name and a story as intricate, interesting, challenging as the
driver of that luxury car that just flew by without a glance.
Laura has a name and a tale of survival, and success, that she shares with
those forgetting to remember…
What’s my name?
Don’t forget me.
