Perhaps He Has a Point…

48 Replies
PHOTO PROMPT © Bill Reynolds

“I don’t have a mortgage or pay rent.  If I don’t like the view out my front window, I can just go someplace else.  I have everything I need.”

I had given him a few brochures about shelters for the homeless and cards for people to help him find a job.  He handed them back and asked why I felt such a need to turn him into a person like me.

Look, I’m just trying to help my fellow man.

Funny, as I waited for my town to be rebuilt after Ian, I saw his trailer in an abandon lot.

***

word count = 100

Friday Fictioneers is hosted by  Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.  This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo by @ Bill Reynolds . If you want to join or see other stories, go to the inlinkz linkup.

48 thoughts on “Perhaps He Has a Point…”

  2. authorfleurl

    Love this wee camper! We’re dreaming of being what we call a “Grey Nomad’…a retiree that travels around. Living simply but comfortably. No rosters. :-D
    Back to reality….we also have a big homeless problem here, and this wee mobile home looks wonderful. As you say, if he doesn’t like the view, he can move., or avoid weather changes. Nicely told :-)

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      The trailer does look pretty cool. Almost everything you actually need, if no frills.
      There’s no one size fits all solution, but if this type of thing works for some people, I all for it.

      Like

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  3. Na'ama Yehuda

    Well being is measured not by what, but by how it is experienced. For some, there is freedom in having less. For others, there is stress. To each their own, as long as it is from actual choice. May we still allow all people choice. About their bodies and whether anyone can force upon them what they do not wish to have in or put upon it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Yes, as long as it is a choice and isn’t hurting anyone (referring here to the homeless man in the story), who are we to say anything. And as to why I said what I was referring to, yes, I agree with you. Politicians do not need to be making decisions for people.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Na'ama Yehuda

        Indeed! Let the people have a voice, especially about decisions that affect them personally, including, of course, their right to marry, their right to vote, their right to equity, their right to practice or not practice a religion and which one, and the right to control their own bodies and make medical decisions about their bodies, to name a few.

        Liked by 1 person

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  5. Brenda's Thoughts

    He likes the freedom and independence it gives him, as well as the cost of living being lower. Sometimes, though well intentioned, we try to help where no help is really needed. Maybe there’s another way to help the man. I enjoyed your story, Trent!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      There are those who are content with what they have, even if it seems little to most people’s eyes. And the freedom that comes with that lifestyle… Perhaps there is a better way to help.

      Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      I understand his point and wish I could be a free spirit, but then who would get all of the stuff done that allows people to be free spirits like that? Someone had to make that guitar ;)

      Liked by 1 person

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  7. Bear

    Being surrounded by destruction, either natural or manmade, often leaves one searching out their priorities. I know of one who is homeless that’s been offered every advantage, and yet, remains homeless. At least that’s how society sees him. anyway, he enjoys living without walls around him. When my hubby and I were faced with homelessness a few years ago, this individual knew everything we needed and where to get it. Sadly, he succumbed to the bitter cold one winter night, having been turned away by an overwhelmed shelter. His ministry was more powerful than all the churches and charities combined. Sharing his fire, and his companionship during those weeks of living without walls will ever and always stick in my mind and more deeply in my heart.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Just as “all who wander are not lost”, I guess you can say “all who are without four walls are not ‘homeless’.” I know there are people that is is a choice, and it is cool that this person helped others when they were in a time of need. It’s awful that he couldn’t find shelter when most needed. I’m sorry you had to face homelessness, but glad there was someone to guide you.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Bear

        I am eternally grateful to him. He’s part of the reason I’ve worked on a series of portraits of homeless, etc…. those that we as a society see as the “least”. I’m working on getting them framed for a show that will benefit the local shelters.

        Liked by 1 person

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Simplifying is good, and the less you have, the less you have to lose. I do like the idea of being a free spirit, but someone has to stay put to do all of the work….

      Like

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks – I actually stole the line, which I heard last night. A new member of our Lions Club talked about trying to help someone and they rebuffed her, asking why she felt compelled to make him like her.

      Liked by 1 person

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