Life, actually…

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The bearded baseball-capped hoofer proceeds three inches at a time up an inclined sidewalk toward 20th street.

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Three inches followed by three inches followed by three inches, he leans into the handlebars of his aluminum walker, a small plastic bag swinging from one rubber handle.

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Eventually, he reaches his goal, keeping onlookers in suspense.

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The metal-walker-pilot isn’t aware of his audience. It takes all his focus to remain on task. He is the center of his own world with its rules and limitations. He knows that no-one else can take the slow walk on his behalf. He has to do it himself.

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He does not complain.

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I do not engage the walker, I just note his passing—one way of immortalizing him without patronizing or interfering with his universe.

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As I pass through my little town, I read and ruminate about all the signs that abound, right and left. Each actual sign makes me wonder. Each imaginary sign is a response to these well-meaning but puzzling signs.

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WAR NOT

This hand-scrawled poster is held at chest height by a scraggly elder at the town’s intersection fountain.

WAR NOT

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Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? If only good wishes could transform into reality.

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NO WAR

Another sign boldly displayed by yet another peace demonstrator at the fountain.

NO WAR

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I admire these folks for their persistence, for their non-judgmental messages, for their willingness to spread goodwill three inches at a time.

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Here’s a sign I’d like to post:

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HELP FOR PERFECT PEOPLE

5 CENTS

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That sign at least would allow those of us who feel superior to street people to at least do something worthwhile, one donation at a time.

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In my imagination, the money would be used to help one misunderstander appreciate another misunderstander.

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I do go on, don’t I?

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Anyhow, my semi-blatant thought is simple. Looking around and noticing, taking some tiny action to push civilization three inches toward what things could be like in a more perfect world…it’s not a bad idea.

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And just because it seems like an impossible task…that is no reason not to give it a try. At least once or twice a day

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© Jim Reed 2022 A.D.

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