Life on the Street

An older man hurries across the street into oncoming traffic. He is trying to get to the bus stop. He is not agile enough for what he is doing. Somehow he gets there. After lunch, I see him still waiting for a bus.

In a liquor store, another man slowly pays for some incidentals. He has trouble making change. He has an enlarged neck and very frail arms. A bag from the pharmacy hangs from one arm. His life is in the bag. He leaves the store and jaywalks across a busy street. A car swerves and sustains a long horn blast. The sick man waves apologetically.

A pigeon's tail feathers are stuck in a rodent glue trap. It is slowly walking down the street, occasionally trying to fly, but it can't get off the ground. A woman notices the bird's dilemma, moans, and goes to help the bird. A car brakes suddenly.

I've seen enough. I go back to work.