Mark

04-25-2013, Thursday

Love Park, Philadelphia

I regretted leaving sweatshirt in the car, because it was still chilly. I hoped to find Marge on her corner, but se wasn’t there. Was it her way of saying that she doesn’t want to do another portrait?  Looking for someone who would agree to pose I walked through the park watching occupants of the benches through the corner of my eye. They were busy talking on cellphones or opening snacks, except for one bearded man in the sock hat. I introduced myself and asked permission to paint his portrait. He nodded,  “Mark,” and shook my hand. He was happy to have a sandwich. I shivered. “It will worm up soon,” he said. I worked silently for a while before asking, “Are you often here?” “Always sit here. What else to do?” “Were do you live?” “Homeless shelter on Broadway.” “I heard that people steal there.” “They do.” He turned his face toward me, and I had to wait, because I was doing his profile. “How long have you been living like that?” “Three years at the shelter. “ “Is this how long you have been homeless?” “I have been homeless for six years.” “What happened?” “I am broke.” “Was it hard to get used to?” He nodded. “It’s still hard.” “What were you doing before?” “I was in prison for nine years.” “What for?” “For raping a woman I have never laid my eyes on.” I looked at him inquisitively. “I was married and we had a son. I had a printing business; later I worked in construction. I wanted to raise my son. One day they brought me to police and said that I am a rape suspect. The woman described the rapist as a stout man, and I am six four, skinny. But they were showing her my photograph along with five other guys. They changed other four every time but always kept mine. My face started looking familiar to her. Finally she said she recognized me. It took her five times! When genetic test got available, it showed that I never touched her, but she had traces of having sex with three other guys.” He paused, and I continued painting. “Hey, Mark, how you doing man? Look at you, man! Looks good, man! ” I looked up and saw two smiling faces. “That’s good what you are doing, miss! Looks like him!” “My buddies,” said Mark. “You have friends?”  “I do.” “Mark, I finished and have to go. You say you are always here. I don’t have money, but is there anything else you want I can bring to you?” “I love hamburgers.” ”Ok, I’ll see you around.”  “Ok, thank you.”