Valued

Valued  by Kaze

     He smiles as he heads toward the park table where a friend and I are sitting with socks, snacks and water.

     As I offer him stuff, he smiles shyly and says “Keep it for those who need it more than I do. I live in a shelter and given a lot more stuff than I need.”

     Introducing himself as Scott, he asks if he can sit down with us. We nod and clear a space for him.

     “How are things going for you?” I ask.

     “Good,” he says. “I’m working to get a job and get off the street.”

     He stays quiet as we talk with other homeless people who come by to talk. During a lull, he pulls out a beautiful handmade flute.

     “I made this,” he says. “I used to make a lot to sell until the…