Yeah, I can be an asshole
posted November 25, 2008
I'm in King's Square, Saint John, photographing pigeons. King's Square is home for those who have no home. My man, Jesus (not his real name), ambles along and starts feeding the pigeons. I'm snapping pictures like a wild man, before Jesus does what I believe to be the inevitable. Let's face it; the missing teeth, the toque, the location!! But he didn't ask for money. He was pleasant and spoke well. We had a nice chat. I told him how my mom doesn't like pigeons but I found them to be quite beautiful. Jesus agreed that there was beauty to be found. He was there because he loved the birds.
I felt like a total asshole for prejudging him.

That was a good lesson for me. I'm a little jaded when it comes to downtown, sorry, uptown Saint John. Or most cities. I see cities as places where people want something from me. I see rural areas in a much warmer light but today I was warmed by one man in the city. I felt so joyous after watching Jesus and the pigeons, as if the meaning of life had just slapped me across the face. I was humbled. And thankful. This was better than Christmas, infinitely better.