It's already dark by the time Jerimiah crawls out of his makeshift shelter of cardboard and newspaper and scrap wood (Always dark, always dark..."and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood") Sooner or later the voices always found their way in (scuttling on sixeightmany legs, clicking and chittering like insects...)
(
Read more... )
Comments 28
Again he will walk by, pause, set his worn briefcase aside and dig into his pocket to pull out several coins. He suspects as always that the homeless will go and spend their money on cheap wine to drown their sorrows in.
"Get something to eat with this." He smiles to Jerimiah. I am a friend.
Reply
A filthy hand reaches out, accepting the coin (Thirty pieces of silver). "The angels will bless you for your kindness, sir," he says with absolute certainty (Deliver us O Lord from evil), and the change disappears somewhere inside the filthy coat that stinks of dirt and sweat and too many days and not enough baths.
Reply
"Do you have anywhere to sleep?" His voice is quiet and even. He's helpful person, nothing to fear. He doesn't stand too close, doesn't invade the man's personal space. Just a concerned citizen. Yes.
Reply
He remembers himself after a moment, and nods. "Long as it doesn't rain," he adds after a beat. ("...and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.")
Reply
His wheelchair creaks slightly as he brings himself to a halt. He goes a lot slower now and knows too well how quickly fortunes can change. So he fumbles for his wallet, managing to pull out a few dollars. He tries not to wince - he doesn't get free lunches anymore- and holds them out for Jerimiah. "Here you go," he offers. "Good luck."
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
He spots Jeremiah panhandling and inwardly groans. What is he doing on the street again? He fishes in one of his pockets for some change and offers it to him. "Out again, huh?"
Reply
"They couldn't keep me there," he says, with just a touch of defiance (little cages little songbirds won't tell won't tell them what they want take your thoughts until you smile and drool and work for them). "Can't keep me if I'm not dangerous. I follow the Word of the Lord, sir. I follow His commandments." His voice drops to a whisper. "They do the work of the devil there. They don't understand the danger."
Reply
"Just make sure you find some shelter before it's too late, all right? And don't harass people, especially the women. I don't want to see you back in holding."
Reply
Reply
She pulled out two very neatly folded dollar bills from a bag within a bag inside her purse. Orderly, this girl, in a clean blue dress and practical heels. She offered the money over.
Reply
Reply
She did take a look around, just to be certain. "I really hope it helps." And because his nervousness was making her nervous, she asked, "How're you today, sir?"
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment