The last week or so every morning and evening when I take the dogs for a walk in the local park, there is a homeless man who has made one of the park benches his bed.
The first time I saw his belongings; a blanket, some towels, pillow, a couple of bags with stuff and a little trolley; he wasn’t there. Just his stuff, telling a story about the man who uses these as necessities.
Initially, I didn’t pay particular attention. It’s a very common sight where I live. Not unusual to see beggars in the corners, people washing windscreens at the lights, homeless seeking some spare change at the train station, and wandering others asking for things at those enjoying their coffees and meals at the numerous cafes down the street.
Just another homeless...I kept walking.
The next few days and nights he’d be there. Sometimes asleep, other times awake, drinking or smoking or eating something. On a couple of ocassions one of the dogs will go and sniff him and his belongings. Once or twice the ball ended up under his seat so my dog would go and get it or just sit down and rest under the shade. At those times, I had to stop. Felt awkward. Didn’t want to disturb him. Wasn’t in the mood for chit chats. Something told me to ask him if he’s ok or if he needs anything - he’s been there long enough now, in the exact same spot - yet, I wanted to also respect his ‘home’, his ‘space’. This is a public park after all, but this is clearly his spot for now.
I nodded a couple of times. Here and there a reluctant, quick, momentary glimpse. Then carried on as usual.
Not sure why, but I’m reluctant to ‘intrude’. It’s his right to be there, alone, left in his own demise. It’s also a genuine concern that I feel and a sense that if I don’t do anything, would anybody else do something? Are we all thinking the same? Is anybody willing to take the extra step? And what would that mean? Should someone contact the police? I don’t want to be that person.
The man’s looks resemble a Southern Asian. Not sure if it’s customary for people of that background to live out in the open, to take breaks from whatever life they have. Or if he’s in crisis. Maybe his relationship broke down. Or he lost his job.
We are all a step away from homelessness if you think about it. It all takes a loss of income or breakdown of relationship and we could be sleeping on a park bench.
Luckily the weather still holds.
Every time I see him and not speak I feel it may be the last chance. Yet, why am I not ready?
