Dear Anonymous,
He arrives swinging his 4 string Takamine. 'Who needs six strings?', he says. And begins to serenade us on the street. He is singing to friend Pastor Jeff, Jeffery Logan, who is a beacon of hope and humanity for so many out here. The songs are all original...his own work, lyrics and melody. When I hand him a coffee card it doubles as a pick as he belts out Jailhouse Wife, a song so catchy it's repeated in a loop in my brain ever since.
Sleeping bags are still in demand. Large hooded sweatshirts, any thermal shirts. Pants, jeans or workpants,not chinos or dress pants. The list goes on. Backpacks , sturdy ones, in demand. Everything is being stolen. A regular says 'This week. TWO backpacks stolen...'. He is an old timer to the street. He is dismayed and raises his swollen hand with two thick fingers to make his point. Socks, warm socks remain a treasure. Thank you Dear Anonymous, they thank me and they are really thanking you.
One man I have never met before stops his frantic behavior for a moment, pauses as he is trying to shove items into a backpack,stops and says, 'Thank you. This really helps.' Direct eye contact.