Words of a Poet

I’ve had a lot of bad things happen to me being homeless. Robbed, beaten up, had a gun to my head. One thing I will never forget, is this kid. I cried… so I am going to tell you a story.

I was outside a laundry mat with my backpack and duffle bag. Obviously he was bored and kept spying on me. For some reason he kept poking his head out. I was carrying my old hot wheels for some reason on me so I gave him one. He played with it and then came back out to watch me. They had those little machines for quarters so you could get a toy.

I had a few quarters on me so I said ok pick one! Which do you want? He chose one played with it for a bit and then came out again. Ok which one do you want now? This one. Ok… turn the lever I’ll put the quarters in. This happened until I was out of quarters.

The mom whispered thank you, no 5ish year old wants to be at a boring laundry mat. He was bored.

The following things got very real for me. The boy not knowing, asked me where I lived or why I don’t go home. The mom not wanting to say hes homeless, said oh he’s moving. He said well we are going to the beach today can you come?!?

Obviously not knowing these people, I said maybe next time buddy. Just promise you will be good for your mom and sister ok?

As they were leaving they handed me the $3 I spent on him through the machines. I said no no no. They said no we appreciate you just keeping him busy.
I felt happy I did that for the kid, and terrible they made me take that $3.