REAL LIFE STORIES: SHARING  WITH YOU

HUMAN CONDITION

-- by Annie Glancey

I recently read a story that suggested the human face of life like finding time to explore, discover or experience the luxury of feelings is under threat from this cost-effective, technological world, where life is instant, and where everything has a price.

Recently and unexpectedly, I had occasion to observe the human condition.

My daughter and I were browsing Karangahape Road.  I had had enough of ethnic shops, and the overwhelming sweet perfume of incense sticks, so I sat on a street bench with my 11-year-old grandson Danny, while my daughter continued to peruse the colourful and interesting variety of clothes they offered.

On the bench next to us sat an elderly lady.  She was reasonably dressed and shades of prettiness still brushed her cheeks.

We were gobsmacked when we realised she was begging. That’s the only word that could explain her behaviour. 

Each time someone passed her she would call out, “Could you spare a $1, just a dollar?” 

After several unsuccessful attempts, she increased it to $2, then $3. 

Each passer-by smiled politely at her and moved on. 

We were highly amused at this behaviour, and quite entertained.

“How come she can afford to smoke Nanna and yet she’s begging?” my grandson observed. 

“Perhaps that’s why she’s begging.” I replied flippantly, “to pay for her smokes.”

Our guessing game soon took on a life of its own. 

“Maybe she’s just hungry and has run out of money,” Danny said.

“Maybe - or maybe she’s one of those mentally ill people who has just  been released into the community,” I mused.

“I know,” he said excitedly, “she’s an alcoholic, and drinks all her money.”

“Could be,” I laughed, “or perhaps she’s just lonely and wants attention.”

After a short silence, Danny said in a quiet, sad voice, “Maybe her family doesn’t want her anymore Nanna.”

And so we talked ourselves into feeling sorry for her.

We suddenly realised she had put the price up to $6.00.

The young man she appealed to, stopped and said, “I won’t give you $6.00, but I will give you a Kiss!” and he held out his arms as though to hug her. 

She abruptly stood up.  Tightly clutching her little crushed handbag and her packet of cigarettes to her chests and with an indignant toss of her head, she hurried away. We all laughed heartily and so did a few of the pedestrians close by. 

Thinking back to that incident, I wonder if it was really begging, or just a human cry for help.

-- Annie Glancey