I have taken so many "trips" in the past few years, mostly on behalf of my jobs --- but I always remember glimpses, moments, "pictures" of people I have met. Not so much as part of my job -- but on the periphery: at airports, in public squares, in downtown parks, or while waiting for my "work assignments" to arrive.
This past weekend was no exception and absolutely typical. In the downtown park, just across from the pretentious Casa Monica Hotel (a Kessler "boutique" hotel -- like the Mansion on Forsyth Park near my home in Savannah) in St. Augustine, Florida; I saw this elderly man: with two small backpacks, a too-thick summer jacket to ward off the impending rain, and a heavy hand-carved cane to bolster an obviously weakened left leg. I observed this man over several hours -- as he "patrolled" the park, looking for quickly-thrown away food in the public garbage cans (no digging in them, just looking at the "surface layer.") I believe he may have even been watching those "cans" for fresh refuse. He had sharp intelligent eyes, a quick facial manner, and slow careful limb movements. I would estimate his age to be nearly 80 -- and his home to be nearby, though probably not permanently.
He was a careful survivor -- and by the neat look of him, probably former military -- probably homeless, probably alone. I was drawn to him because of his careful patterns; but also because of his obvious care with his time and energy. He seemed an enviable person -- clear in his thinking, and focused in his intentions. He would survive that day and many more like it because he was what he was. I envied him.
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