Donald

04-26-13

Love Park, Philadelphia

I was down on my luck parking. Voices shouting through megaphones about accepting Jesus were echoing through the streets. They were originating at the park, and made me reluctant to go there. There was a black-cloaked woman sleeping in the sculpture garden across the street from the park, but it felt awkward to wake her up. Another woman said that she wants no pictures. I circled the park and saw one more reclining figure on the bench. His eyes were open when I passed by, so I introduced myself. His name was Donald. He agreed to be painted, said no for a sandwich and didn’t change his position leaving it to me to figure out where to sit. I set myself right on the pavement near him. He opened his eyes, smiled and closed them again. He was wearing fresh shirt and a blazer; silver rings decorating his neat hands. “Are you visiting here?” I started. “I live here.” “In town?” ”I am homeless.” “Since how long?” “Two months.” “What happened?” “I lost my job” “What were you doing?” “I was a painter,” he smiled, “ like you. Only I painted houses.” “Do you have family?” “Yes.” “Are they all right?” “Yes. I had to leave them in order for them to be all right.” He was calm and friendly, but preferred to keep his eyes closed. Someone stopped to take a picture of us and didn’t leave. In fact he leaned towards my ear and asked me what was my name. “Lena, “I said. “Do you study art, Lena?” “No.” “Are you self-taught?” I felt weary to explain how come I know painting, “Yes.” “When did you start doing it?” “You mean painting people on the streets?” “Yes.” “It’s my second week.” More people stopped by. “It’s good!” “She is self-taught!” “Good!” “She started painting only a week ago!” “Wow!” I didn’t look up. I was in a hurry. When I got up from my spot, Donald opened his eyes. I said, “Here, I have to go now.” “He looked at the painting. I can tell that considering the reaction of the crowd his expectations were not met. “It’s all right,” he said. “Would you accept my sandwich now? It’s homemade grilled chicken breast.” “I would accept your sandwich, baby,” he said. “Take care now. Maybe I’ll see you around.” “Is anybody helping you to find a job?” “No, I am doing it on my own.” “I will see you around. I will see you painting houses!” He laughed.