Do I Look Homeless To You?

So there I was this afternoon sitting in the Norwalk Public Library reading Who’s Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success–and Won’t Let You Fail.

The greatest writer of his generation feeling the length and breadth of his body, ready to slip his shoes off, his Blackberry crackling on his thigh, trading emails about Kundalini Yoga Teacher’s Training, and this old Asian woman next to me who’s reading a book on health, reaches into her purse, pulls out two dollars and hands them to me.

I protested for about 30 seconds but she insisted and I kept the money, worrying for the next two hours until I left what was the catch.

There was no catch.

I sometimes walk down Pico Blvd and homeless people offer me money, food, shelter and clothing.

Why?

I remember just before my 40th birthday, my girl Holly Randall said to me, "What do you get the guy who has nothing?"

She ended up buying me a hot water jug and some herbal tea. There were some other things, more personal, that I would’ve preferred but we weren’t together together then. She had sobered up and I was no longer a guest in her bed.

At least now I have a beard.

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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