I was taking the Q train to work this afternoon when a man got aboard and immediately started talking to everybody. Strange people talking strangely is commonplace in New York, but what this man was trying to do was give away a free ice cooler at first, but then started talking about hsi personal life.
"My wife and I fell on hard times," he said as he offered a card with his name and phone number to anyone who would take it. He asked anyone to let him know if they needed work done on their house, as well as held out a hat stating that any money anyone could donate right there on the train would be used to do laundry and help put food on the table.
I've seen panhandlers and street salesmen before, and like all those other times, I didn't give this man money. I was struck, however, not only by his ability to speak in public and sell himself, but also the extent to which he offered, asked and thanked the people. If he was lying, which may be the case, he at least put together a believable speech and wasn't rude, demanding or degrading to anyone. If he was telling the truth, though, it's quite a shock to the system to see how someone can get to the point that they can feel comfortable telling their life story to - and asking for help from - strangers.
