circus
young drifter
san francisco
february, 2007

he says san francisco is twisted.

says he can see it in their eyes on their way. before they stop. bad intent. no shame. like they can buy anything. have anything.

they can't.

yet there's no end to them. and the things they ask. and expect.

joe's been panhandling.

he reads people. says that most people who give can't afford to give. many are people who were once where he is. people who've gotten out.

but those who can afford to, don't.

he's sitting on the sidewalk by a puddle.

as i sit, he apologizes for any smell. he hasn't had a shower in some time.

he split home when he was 14. hopped a freight train and joined the circus. used his brother's id. he's been on the street a year longer than he's been alive.

says he "was always a rebel." and quickly "still am."

a picture?

"you're not going to down me, are you?"

disparage him and his condition.

"no i'm not going to down you."