guy in the park

So yea, I met (well, met is too strong a word)—I encountered a guy in the park today. When I walked up he asked me to watch his stuff for a second. I said sure, thinking he was student. I began to read my article about multiculturalism for class. Upon returning he began to write on his note pad. After a few minutes, he began to ask me to spell words for him. Now, those of you who know me know that I cannot spell, but I was able to spell the words he asked me to spell because they were easy words like touch and angel and cry. Suddenly, I noticed that he was standing over me. I thought this was odd, but before I could respond he asked if he could read me what he had written. I of course responded positively to his poem. Some time passed and two guys walked up to ask for money, stating that they were homeless. The poet then responded that he too was homeless and had lost his apartment just today. As the sun began to set, I started looking for a way to leave without him thinking that I was leaving because of him. While I did not feel entirely comfortable sitting with him and spelling the words for his poem, the reason I was leaving was because the sun had set and I could no longer read. (Moreover, a skinny affluent looking white boy should not be alone in Washington Square Park after dark.)

I have to wonder about his encounter. Obviously this kid was mentally challenged or at the least only functionally literate. I felt bad that he had he lost his apartment and judging from the themes of his poems he had no one to go to. What am I to do? I have no money, and that is not a hyperbole. I honestly have no cash on me nor access money by way of debit card. (My finances are in limbo right now). I guess I did all I could; I treated him like a human being. I still feel weird about the whole situation.

I just finished reading his book about homeless people (http://www.mpbooks.com/bookDetail.asp?isbn=1590524020).

I encourage you all to read it.