Monday, May 23, 2011

The end of the world has passed.

Jack Jones, I'm calling him.
I actually don't know his name, but he looks like he'd be called something snappily alliterative like Jack Jones.
I've seen Jack Jones twice in a row in the past couple of days that I've been walking down Huntingdon Avenue.
The first time was when Yenny and I were on our way to the Charles Theater to watch Win Win. He said, "Hello there ladies, do you have the time?"
We didn't stop for him, but I glanced at my watch and quickly told him the time.
The second time I saw him was this morning when I was walking down to Safeway for some groceries. He was at a different corner this time, talking to someone. Maybe he recognized me, maybe he didn't. He flashed a bright smile and asked me how I was doing.
I didn't stop, but automatically smiled and said "I'm good thanks."
As I continued walking, it occurred to me that Jack Jones was a homeless man. And he had spoken to me twice, and he didn't ask me for money a single time.
On my way back, I found him sitting on the footsteps of a small church eating his breakfast. I asked him if he had change in quarters for a couple of dollars. He said he didn't. Then I asked him if he would like a couple of dollars, and he said, Yes please. He said God bless you, and gave me a peace sign.
As I was walking away, he called to me and asked if I needed help with my groceries. I said I didn't, but thank you anyway.
As I was walking further away from him, two thoughts occurred to me:
I wish I gave him a bit more money.
AND
I am glad that yesterday was not the end of the world. I'd hate to think that Jack Jones had to die still a homeless man.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

salam kye! im a quiet reader of your blog..always find your posts interesting. do umind my asking, ru in america currently doing research or smething? that is so cool and im so jealous (in a good way!) hehehehe all th ebest to you k! im stating my phd soon in good old uia (no scholarship for overseas :( ) all the best in wht ur doing!

Only Kye said...

Waalaikumussalam Murni :D Yea I am a 'quiet' reader of your blog as well :D so the feeling is mutual.

I'm in the US right now wrapping up my Master's education, my graduation ceremony is today as a matter of fact.

I'm happy that you're starting your PhD soon! I think UIA is a good choice for law or economics, but I'm hesitant about any of their other programs for now, including science. I'm in the midst of awaiting my PhD options right now-- no clue what will happen. But insyaAllah it'll all work out for the best.

Keep in touch :D

Afifa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Afifa said...

It's as if from every post you made, the stories gave an almost exact depiction of some of the articles I've read in Readers Digest. Only they gave a more honest feel. yea I'm a quiet reader of yer blog too, sis. And Readers Digest is the only material worth reading in this so called education-based cellar, just so you know :p.

CONGRATZ FOR GRADUATING AND FOR MAKING BANGI-ANS PROUD! And our family too :D -Fifa-