just think

i was on the bus the other day, and because its a pretty short ride, i didnt have a book or ipod or anything. i was people watching. the bus on my side of town is an interesting ride. im generally the only white dude on the bus, and many folks have cars and dont use the bus just because of the status thing. anyway, i hear a couple of ladies talking and one says that she was working for the Nats, but after the season she'll go on unemployment for a 'little bit,' but she'll get restless soon and go back to work. its an interesting point of view.

when i got laid off, people told me to get on unemployment. i thought about it. but i found a new job in 3 weeks. and this lady knew she had a seasonal job. its a whole different state of mind.

then this homeless guy got on the bus toting an old luggage bag and some heavy duty boots. probably everything the man could call his own. as he settled into the seat across from me, and brushed aside his greasy hair i noticed something: a wedding band. this guy who hasnt showered in at least a week, wearing dirty threadbare clothes, carrying his life with him in an improvised back pack, was still wearing a wedding band. a hold over and reminder of a previous life.

think of the cash he could get for it. a simple gold band could fetch $200 pretty easily at a pawn shop. and $200 for a homeless guy is a pretty hefty amount of money. i mean it is for me. something keeps him from doing it. the symbolic value is too great for him. despite living in the basement of American society, he clings to the symbol of love. who knows, maybe he sees his wife. it made me stop and think and really be thankful for who i am and what i have. and it made me realize that i have it pretty good. it also made me realize that i cant ever afford to end up there. i cant afford to be poor. my health has made that a non-option. so as much as an Edward Abbey hero's existence appeals to me, i dont think i can ever pull it off. even so, im pretty lucky to have what i do and be who i am.