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.

I passed by him and entered the pharmacy.

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 this game and help. I have skills that could help.