PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

I usually take the train down to Center City when I want to have a few beers at good beer bars.  I also check out record stores, bookstores, eat at ethnic restaurants; just hang out and enjoy myself.

When you ride the trains you will sometimes encounter homeless people begging for money.  I’m always torn in these situations.  I want to help out but I am afraid of feeding an addiction.  Some will take the money for booze or drugs.  My compromise is to buy food or offer to buy food for the person.  Amazingly, many will refuse the offer for food.  These are often the addicts who I don’t want to help purchase drugs.

On a recent trip downtown, I was sitting in Market East Station waiting for my train.  I had a few beers and Thai food for dinner.  An old guy approaches me and asks for money.

“Do you have any spare change for something to eat?”

“I can buy you something to eat.” I inform him.

“There isn’t any place open.”

“Sure there is.” I refuse to accept his statement.  I walk into the food court of the gallery and buy two slices of pizza.  I return to find him.  I hand him the two slices of pizza.  He offers me one but I tell him to eat both since I already ate dinner.

Unfortunately, he drops his bottle of orange juice as he fumbles with his food and other possessions.  “Now you made me drop my juice.” he says.  I feel bad about this so I head back to the food court and find a deli.  I buy him a bottle of orange juice.

I give him the juice and he thanks me and gives me assurances for the salvation of my soul.  I look at the clock and realize that I have to catch my train.  I say goodbye to him and head down to the track for my train.   I get on the train and sit back.  It cost me a grand total of $.79 to feel this man.  

It was no great sacrifice.  It means I will drink one less beer or eat one less hot dog.  I can’t do it everyday but it was good to be able to help someone out.  And I wonder why more people don’t do things like this when they can.