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Saturday, October 17, 2009

I Don’t Think Your Heart’s In It

The young man begging in front of the LRT station is wearing a brand new pair of Timberlands; clean, fashionable jeans; and a very nice woolen greatcoat.

I’m wondering how much he’ll pull in this afternoon. True, it’s the end of the day and it’s the 15th. A number of people are going to have gotten paid today. Still, what are the odds that anyone will be moved to charity by the sight of this young, well-built young man in his dark gray woolens and immaculate boots boldly confronting people for money?

Not good. Not good odds.

Frankly, it’s all in the approach here. I mean, he’s doing it, but he’s doing it without love.

Honestly, he’s put no effort into this. Look, I get dressed for work every day. I brush my hair, I wear sensible shoes for the walk to the bus. I’ve agreed to sell my time and my brain by the hour, and I look like it, so if this guy is going to look at me right in the eyes while holding a hand-lettered cardboard sign, he could at least provide something of value.

I'll tell you what: Amuse me. Tell me a joke. Stand on your hands. Dress the part, if you're going to try to pull me into this charade: faux-hobo pants, porkpie hat, maybe a bundled bandana on a stick.

My what? My “spare change”? There’s a “spare” kind of change?

I don’t think I’ve ever had “spare” change. I would like to try it, though.

Come on, man. You want my money, earn it.

16 comments:

Linda said...

So many people nowadays think they don't have to conform to a dress code for work! Tsk tsk

ellen abbott said...

I never give money to people who dress better than me.

The Jules said...

Spare change is that stuff from holidaying on the continent before the Euro, like francs and drachmas and stuff, probably only worth about thrity pence now but I don't know because there's no exchange rate so I'll keep it forever in a drawer until the countries go back to their original currencies.

He stil can't have it though.

Jayne Martin said...

He needs to get a dog. I always give money to beggars with dogs. I've even been known to date some.

Unknown said...

Amazing1 Can't even get the begging right, can we?

http://howtobecomeacatladywithoutthecats.blogspot.com said...

Will blog for food....

Just sayin'!

He should be giving ME money, what with all the nice clothes & everything.

Madame DeFarge said...

A puppy. Every beggar needs a puppy, not just a dog. Puppies are cute. I've never seen anyone walk past a beggar with a puppy.

Bill Lisleman said...

judging the mental - it that being judgmental

Ok I didn't see the guy so maybe he's a fine person who's down on their luck or maybe he does have issues.

Hey I cashed in some spare change and bought something - go economy.

Douglas said...

I want to make a sign to carry (or hang out the window of my car) that says:

Will beat up panhandlers for cash

Irish Gumbo said...

Apparently a very successful panhandler...or maybe a college sociology major performing a social experiment.

Still not gettin' the change, though...

Joanna Jenkins said...

"...wearing a brand new pair of Timberlands; clean, fashionable jeans; and a very nice woolen greatcoat..." Ae you sure you weren't being punked?!?! :-)
xo

Catastrophe Waitress said...

maybe his mum still dresses him?
poor chap.

SweetPeaSurry said...

Next time I run into a begger, I'm gonna ask him to do a trick, I'd give him a dollar if he did a trick!

SparkleFarkel said...

Whatever it was, he just wants his life back.

justsomethoughts... said...

pearl dear, if you come to the east coast and beg for change on the subway, i will give you some spare change no matter what you're wearing.
now how is THAT for love?

Ginny said...

As Andrew Dice Clay said, "Rob somebody! Earn your ________ money!"