Global Village Thing
Did I mention I was in Peace Corps? I don’t know if you saw that on my resume but I think it immediately identifies myself as a candidate for this program. I served in Rwanda. Most people haven’t heard of this country, or may think it was the fictional locale of a 2007 movie starring Forrest Whitaker. I did not meet Forrest in my travel, but I did walk by the hotel mentioned and I swear I heard ghosts.
I have learned a lot about ghosts.
Today a youth told me about being curled up
in a ball in her big puffy jacket
on a bench at the transit center.
A man walked by, she said,
and gave her a funny look.
He went into the restroom
and when he walked by a second time,
he tossed something crinkled up at her.
Thinking it was just a wad of paper,
the youth was surprised to find
that it was actually a ten dollar bill.
She was laughing when she told me
this had never happened to her before.
She was confused by his action,
but glad
that she was able to get herself
a cup of coffee this morning.
don't let your enthusiasm drown out over peoples' depression
meet them where they are
keep trying
don't push your insecurities onto others
in silence, some people might be perfectly comfortable even if you're not
