Splayed
A young Black man was asleep, splayed on the concrete in front of a pharmacy. He was halfway out of his sleeping bag and surrounded by meager possessions, including a box of Ritz crackers and two bottles of water.
Three vehicles in the parking lot were clearly serving as domiciles. How did I know? You just know because they are everywhere across Oregon and they weren't ten years ago.
I passed the man and entered the pharmacy. I thought maybe I should do something. How many of us are faced with that decision every day, sometimes three or four times a day.
It was an overcast afternoon.
I shopped and bought wine, tacks and three rolls of film. I left the pharmacy.
Outside, an elderly white man was placing bottled water and a box of Ritz crackers next to the splayed man. He didn't disturb him with talk.
I passed this gesture and walked toward my car.
Then I turned back and saw the white man open the door of his luxury SUV. He drove away.
I felt some hope rise within me. There is so little with this issue, and I kept thinking I want to get into the crisis and help. I have skills that could help. I am moving in that direction, by writing this newsletter, and planning on doing more.