It's wet. It's late. I've grabbed dinner at the Egyptian food cart. The one with the lamb over rice.
As I sit down I the prowler, a homeless man approaches the garage can next to me. He's layered in army coats and tattered flappy hats. His gaze is down. He's avoiding eye contact even though he is three feet away. I watch him open one food container after another, searching for something inside.
I roll my window down.
You lookin' for something to eat?
He glances up and returns to his search.
"Yeah."
Come here..... to the front of the car. I have plenty.
I open the take out box and show him inside.
He steps closer.
He's scared and Schizophrenic and hungry enough to come close to a police car.
Stay here.
I exit the car and walk back to the cart. The cook behind the counter hands me a fork and a plate.
I grab the box and dish the homeless man half: Fish, rice, salad, dolma.
His eyes are big.
"Are you sure?"
Are you hungry?
"Yes!.. but....."
I catch his eyes.
I don't like people eating garbage.
"Are you sure?"
It's yours.
I hand him the steaming plate with the fork on top.
He cups the plate, stares down, and breathes in.
I close the box and turn to wish him good bye, but he's already vanished into the night.
Shagging calls out of the barn yesterday in your side of town is a lot more depressing than my side of town... just saying, as I rolled down 2nd to a call...
Posted by: Straightpipe | March 23, 2017 at 02:11 PM
And Second is not as bad as Third, or Fourth, or Sixth......
Posted by: RD | March 23, 2017 at 02:26 PM
You are a good man sir. A good man.
Posted by: Fritz | March 24, 2017 at 02:40 PM
@Fritz,
I really don't like seeing people dig through the garbage cans to eat.
Secondly, downtown has become a dumping ground for the mentally ill. Hundreds of people who cannot take care of themselves and have been 86'd from every shelter for bad behavior wander the streets. The laws in our state favor freedom over keeping people who are unable to care for themselves in a monitored or hospital setting.
RD
Posted by: RD | March 24, 2017 at 02:46 PM
In the locker room, Straightpipe commented on how depressing he finds my district.
Posted by: RD | March 24, 2017 at 02:48 PM
Something's in my eye, RD.
And yeah. You're a good person.
Posted by: Ev | March 28, 2017 at 01:12 AM
Protect and serve. You are a fine man. Stay safe.
Posted by: Pam Marshall | March 29, 2017 at 06:17 AM
You're a good man RD. Your district is lucky to have you. Stay safe and have a great day.
Posted by: Jay | March 30, 2017 at 02:15 PM
I gave a homeless guy really nice new socks today. Glad I did. You're an inspiration.
Posted by: Ev | April 02, 2017 at 02:47 AM
Are you ok? you haven't blogged anything in quite a while
Posted by: fritz | April 21, 2017 at 04:08 PM
A Ok.
Working has been exhausting and busy and I haven't found the right call to post.
Thank you for asking.
Cheers,
RD
Posted by: RD | April 22, 2017 at 02:21 AM