Life on the streets

start looking for street people as opposed to trying to ignore them, you suddenly become aware of how many there are.

The other day, while parking to do an interview, a very polite, neatly dressed, well-spoken chap, who turned out to be named Richard, came up and said “Sir, I see you are helping this guy (One-legged Wallet Man) and I wondered if there is any way you are able to assist us?” “Who is ‘us’?” I asked. He pointed to a group of fellows sitting along a pavement. “We are all builders and painters and we are looking for work. Sometimes people stop and collect us, but it has been very quiet lately.” “Where are you from?” “Here,” he said. “No,” I said, “I mean where do you live?” “Outside,” he said. “Ow…”