The Future

On my way to Ars* cinema last night, I passed yet another homeless drunk slumped at the side of Jana street with a bowl in front of him and some words felt-tipped onto a piece of corrugated cardboard.

Generally I am ashamed to admit that I walk past these people: I probably stop on a 70:30 basis depending on how guilty I feel at the time, how broke I feel at the time, how recently I last went to church and whether or not there's anyone about (I feel awkward when people see me).

So I walked past this guy, in a hurry to get to the cinema.

As I passed him, I glanced at the cardboard sign.

'Zarabiać na piwo;

ewentualnie na wino'

Earning for beer... and perhaps even wine...

Struck by the genius of his request, and stifling peals of laughter, I turned back immediately and gave him all the change in my purse (only about 4 złoty, don't get excited, but I needed the note to get into the cinema)

For his honesty, for showing ambition - even in the humblest and most human of ways - and for putting a smile on my face, I wish this guy every future happiness.


*feck, gurrls