You Were Warned.

[David Brown]

"Is there someone in that shed?"

"Yeh, it's a homeless guy."

"Really (keep walking) - It might be drowsy and angry."

"'It?' And, reallyI would be those ways too if I was homeless."

"Exactly, and they're most easily startled into violence when they're coming out of aestivation."

 

6

 

"Careful - He probably smells us."

"He probably smells crude oil and barf from being passed out in that shed all day."

"You're too optimistic. Splash some gin on you and keep walking."

"..You're the optimist if you think I just walk around with gin t splash or for any reason really."

"You must not appreciate the homeless plight in the United States."

 

6

 

"I must not.."

"You must not appreciate that the threat that the state of poverty really is the forgotten state of America."

"I must not. No, actually, I think I do. I think I do appreciate the state of poverty in the US, and what's more, I think I appreciate it a little more than you do. And I base that thought on the fact that I am grounded in reality and you're still looking over your shoulder for some homeless urban predator who can smell the employed, his favorite prey, by their hygeine from a hundred yards away."

 

6

 

"Yes, the threat of homelessness is growning, but it really isn't a threat to us."

"Oh, but it is. The homeless and impoverished are growing in numbers and strength, looming in our shadows and abandoned camper trailers nationwide."

"Looming - the homeless are looming. You know, that guy was passed, the only thing he was looming over was the concrete floor of what is probably a complete stranger's tool shed."

"He was aestivating."

 

6

 

"Shut up - I'll have you know -"

NOM! NOM! NOM! NOM! NOM!

 

6

 

Those two were not so different than you or I. They worked hard and did their best for their community, but in the end, when mauled viciously by that frothy-mouthed hobo, they were caught by their own ignorance, however well intention or seemingly informed they felt. These are hard times for all of us, and it is only by pulling together and being prepared that we will overcome.

 

This message was brought to you by the Associated Gin Distillers of America.

[David Brown]

thank you, Grey

[Angela]

I think you showed me the internal conflict I have about homeless people.  If I had a brain, I would recognize that they are individuals, so some of what I think is true really is true for some - and some is not.  Thoughtfully put together.  Thank you for the new vocabulary word.

[Jenny]

Forget the Rapture - beware the aestivators.

[David Brown]

I work for what was once the state family and social service administration prior to its privatization. it is a sad thing.

[Teresa]

@Glen ~ buahahahahaha!

 

I'm not sure how to feel about this piece, David.  I did laugh once at a TV skit where a homeless guy was gluing his cardboard shelter together with his own boogers, but I guess it's funnier when you know the guy on TV is paid to act like a homeless guy.  The reality isn't really funny.  The word "aestivating" makes me think, though, because in many ways these people are somehow suspended, not really living and not really dead.  I think the numbers of homeless people have doubled lately, but maybe my numbers are wrong.  Unemployment for young guys is atrocious (you are a young guy, right?).  Anyway, be careful or the guy in the shed will come and booger you in your sleep. 

 

[Glen Green]

I love the taste of pine trees, the dank darkness and cool centipedes of tool sheds.