Curse that dirty guy! Why doesn’t someone get him out of the way? Walking down a major thoroughfare in Toronto a.k.a. Yonge Street, I happened to look at a rather strange scene. Actually it’s a very depressing one. I somehow felt the pang of sadness and the guilt of helplessness at the same time. There’s something familiar about it.
Curse Him
Beggar: Why Curse Him?
Long straggly hair. Raggedy shredded something or other that he wore. Any part of his exposed skin was covered in grime. Under all that unwashed for months coating was a very pale and rashy skin. He was seated on the pavement among much litter that once contained the pick-me ups we all love to consume. Coffee cups and soup cups and candy wrappers and paper envelopes that once contained tacos, fries and subs seemed to complement this scene. Of course he smelled somewhat terribly. People need not curse at him. But avoid and curse him they did. He asked for help people simply made their way around him and cursed him some more…
This message is for those who dissed this man.
“Curse you” they say because he stinks,
“Go away” they say because he’s unwanted,
“You’re untouchable” they say because he is,
“Dirty beggar” they say because he’s dirty.
Do you feel so mighty when you curse him?
Is he so inhuman you want him to go away?
Are you afraid you’ll catch his condition if you touch him?
At least you got this one right, he’s dirty and a beggar, but so do you at times right?
When you curse him, do you look into his longing eyes?
When you say go away can you hear his plea for love?
When you avoid touching him, is that your fear of giving another human contact?
When you tell him he’s dirty and begs, are you so polished and want never to help another?
Why curse when you can praise to raise his spirit?
Why tell him go away when you can welcome him back into living?
Why avoid toucjing when you can give him a coin for lunch?
Why tell him he’s dirty when you can offer him a wash and clean clothes he begs for?
Can you see those eyes?
Can you see the person, not the dirt?
Can you see his hunger?
Can you see his loneliness?
Can you see his desire to live?
Can you see his asking to get well?
Can you see the person underneath?
Can you see that MAN?
Next time you see a fellow human in dire straits, recognize he’s there because of his past, whatever that may have been. When he decides to come back into the world, why kick him out? At the very least, give him a chance to return. He’s making the effort to connect. So should you.
This is a lesson I’ve learnt because I know of people who have been there and made it back, big time. I have experienced the sting of being rejected for being poverty stricken and have made it a point never to be there again. But at the very least, see the person as a person.
Very awesome blog !! I couldnt have wrote this any better than you if I tried super hard hehe!! I like your style too!! it’s very unique & refreshing…