So, I've posted a lot before about where I live. While my block is very nice, the surrounding blocks are ghetto tastic. (Things here change block to block.) I have to be very street-aware when I walk my dogs, because, well, I've been mugged walking dogs before. A lot of people in Philly in general do fucked up shit, we have a severely high crime rate and murder rate. However, I've only ever had one negative experience, mugging aside, in my neighborhood while walking the dogs. Instead, I usually come across the same few people and a bunch of the same kids, all who love my dogs. This is my preface.
However, on certain parts of the walk we usually take, in front of certain dilapidated houses, I don't let the kids (dogs) stop and sniff. Today, as we passed one of the run-down homes, a man with a cane stopped us. He looked to be in his late 30s. He asked if he could give the dogs treats and had a bag of beggin strips there. My first thought was, what did he put in those treats? Then I recognized that as irrational, and said, OK. He then proceeded to strike up a conversation about dogs, and how every dog loves those treats, to the point of fighting over them.
At this point, I'm observing him. And I notice he has at least ten hospital bracelets on. One says "...Allergy," while another says "Fall Alert!" I tried not to stare. He was so kind, and sweet, and my guess was, he was a recipient of a gov't check, possibly a Veteran, which was my first thought. He was missing most of his teeth, but his smile made me want to stay and talk, and get to know him.
He began a story about a former girlfriend's toy poodle, which she named after him, but then we got interrupted by a neighbor telling me that the kids were waiting for me on her block. My dogs were clearly anxious to move on, but I wanted to stay and talk with this guy.
I don't think I'll see him again, as I've never seen him before.
I don't know why I'm posting this, but something made me so deeply sad for this man, like when we had to leave, it was the last contact I'd have with him.
No need to respond, just getting out some thoughts.



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