24 – Offers on Polk Street

May 93 – San Francisco

“Three dollars and 10 cents short!” a man foams at the mouth in rage on Polk Street. I just wanted to give him, maybe a $5 bill, even though I have $49 in all my accounts, owe May rent (today’s May 3rd), and swim in thousands of debt.

No one should be that mad about anything, especially money. But I don’t know what that man needs – $, care, attention, drugs. 

It doesn’t seem wise to enter that angry space unless I’m focused about what I’m offering.

So I step into a Reading Room...to better understand my connection. Upon exiting, the guy was still there two doors down, calmly sitting on the sidewalk. I asked if he wanted some money. He nodded and then I saw his smiling crooked teeth. 

“It’s all I have.” I handed 42 cents. 

My fear was removed due to my studies. He looked surprised that I had asked. My eyes watered walking home filled with compassion toward everyone.