This is a flash fiction piece, inspired by a prompt by Eric Alagan. The point is to write a 55-word story about a hobo, but never use that word in the story. Go read his as well; it’s really excellent.
This is based on a true story, but since I only know it secondhand, it may not be entirely accurate. Perhaps the person associated with it will read this and let me know. 🙂
I bought him shoes when he passed through town. He didn’t want a home; said he already had one—with an expansive gesture. But the new Reeboks keep him warm and dry.
He sends emails sometimes, when his meandering journey passes a library.
It’s freezing out now. I trust his wits, but I still pray.
The Green-Walled Tower 
April 3rd, 2014 at 8:51 pm
That’s really cool, David – no pun intended – especially since it’s based on a true story.
Reminds me of the recent case of a NYC cop who bought a man a pair of boots – if my memory serves me right.
April 3rd, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Yeah, I read about that. Someone caught it on camera and he didn’t want any publicity from it. It would be hard to be a cop and see people in need all day long. You’d either have to do something about it or just totally harden yourself to the pain.
April 4th, 2014 at 6:07 am
Again, you get the prize for brevity. Whenever someone approaches me for money, the first thing I do is examine their shoes. If his are all falling apart with paper stuffed in them, that tells me he’s real…but if they’re sportin Air Jordans…well…we should buy at least one person a year a pair of shoes. Like your iddy biddy ditty David. 🙂
April 4th, 2014 at 10:33 pm
Aw, love that this is a true story. You do a great job capturing a lot in so little. 🙂
April 7th, 2014 at 10:53 am
Thanks. I should find out if the person involved has heard from this guy lately. I think they lost contact but they did talk off and on for a long while.
April 5th, 2014 at 1:08 pm
it is amazing David!
April 7th, 2014 at 12:00 am
Short & sweet! 🙂
April 7th, 2014 at 10:46 am
Thanks. 55 words is not much to work with. 🙂