A Day in the Life of a Fool

John is the man everyone avoids. I find that a shame really. I have heard him called many names behind his back. Folks here are too polite to say it to his face. The worst is that he is a fool. Honestly, they don't listen if they think that.

Now he comes by the park every day. Baggy, oversized, ripped sweater and too-big dirty jeans. His green hair standing up at all angles. His eyes dance merrily anytime he gets a chance to speak.

I like to sit nearby when he is working. Something I have heard people say is he is a beggar. I have offered him a water bottle in the heat and he refused it. People have offered him money and he turns it down.

"No, thanks. There is a food pantry, or a shelter, that needs the money. I don't."

People get offended. Why?

He found a young mother sitting crying there one day. Her life in a mess. He sat beside her. Nothing more. After a time he said simply, "The Lord has seen and sent you company. Take your time. I won't let anyone bother you."

At the end of the day, he leaves the park as it is closing. While I watched, he had collected all the trash laying around. He drops it in the dumpster on his way by.

Hours later, I see him again. Dressed in clean, fresh clothes. His hair neatly combed. Buying his dinner at the convenience store. If you didn't pay attention, you wouldn't even recognize him as the same young man.

So I am sad to say people have overlooked a very important person in our community, simply based on how he looks while he works.

Shame on us.