Morning people

There are people on the streets, you know. When others sleep, they are out. Wandering aimlessly on blank stares. Perched on the benches and hidden corners of darkness. Some have homes, some do not. For the most part they are not stupid, dangerous or a threat to anyone's way of life. Mostly they are scared and socially awkward.

I am not a fan of waking up early, but I do like being out before the masses. As I drive through town at 4:30 am, and then walk the two blocks from my parking spot to my building, I see them. Familiar faces every day. And while I only know a few by name, I feel an odd connection.

I would guess most of my morning friends are out at this time of day because they either can't sleep, they're tired of their boring existence, or it's the only time they feel welcome on the streets. Many are looking, even if they've no idea what for. It is quite possibly their only chance to hope... or safely despair.

Anyway, the regulars are a few on Fairfield, a group on a stoop on Jefferson, Denny wandering, various Edsall people on benches, the guy at Cindy's, and 'army guy' outside my building. This doesn't include the teens and young people on scooters. They are different. And this is just one little corner of downtown. I imagine the parks are full.

So... I think about these people. Not that I talk to them or anything. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's being ignored by society or the abandoned dreams. Whatever, it seemed the thing to write about today. There are people out there that no one sees. I'm not sure if they want to be seen or not.

There, but for the grace of God...

***

Matthew 9:35-37

^"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."