Even after talking to all the street people I have met some still come up with stories that I did not see coming. Generally the street people we have encountered are happy to let us interview them and take their picture to be featured on our website for some cash.   Until, Bill from Maine appeared at our car window with a sign.

 

During our recent tour of New England while driving through the lovely state of Connecticut we encountered Bill, where else but at a highway off ramp.   Although I was almost out of funds for street people he had a different presence and I felt he might have a new story to tell. I pulled off to the side of the road and rolled down my window so I could talk to him.    Bill felt that I was going to be a soft touch and greeted me as I rolled down the window. Although he knew he had my attention as I had pulled off the street he kept an eye open for other people who might offer up some change.   I noticed him eyeing the cars and he shared with me bum rule number #12: Once one guy gives you a dollar another person will, and always keep an eye out for the cops.

It appears that Bill was doing ok at this intersection because surrounding his bag of stuff was a collection of fast food bags and bottled waters.   He must have collected enough change for breakfast, lunch and several snacks from the fast food restaurants just down the street. I think he was working for a full spread dinner at Western Sizzlin as he continued to work this corner. My suggestion is that if you are asking for change not to have the fruits of your labor displayed as it might discourage others from handing over a buck or two.   I mean it is really hard to pull the “Homeless & Hunger” with a bag from Dunkin Donuts, a large drink from Arby’s and several bottled waters sitting around your bindle.

 

We spoke for a few minutes as he kept looking at the passenger seat of my car where I had positioned the camera.   I noticed he was looking and explained to him about the website and that I would like to pay him for his picture and story. Bill said "No" which has happened before but often after talking with the street person and hearing their story they agree.   I guess we got some of that bum charm.

 

Bill shared why he objected. It seems last year he had jumped a train and was traveling south when some guy made a similar offer. Bill agreed for $10 and let the guy take his picture. Bill claims the photograph landed on the cover of a magazine.   So what, there is a Hobo Monthly magazine with tips on where to panhandle, and what plant leaves not to use as toilet paper?

 

Bill did not have a problem until he returned home and his mother had seen the magazine and learned that Bill was not off working construction but being a hobo and panhandling his way around the country.   I just want to know who the hell was reading the magazine. What kind of family do you have Bill. Your mom is hanging out with people that are reading about hobos, and her son is one.   Someone call child services. What is this mom doing to the younger brothers and sisters?

 

So here we are on the side of the road, Bill panhandling for money but with to much pride to take a picture for money. This I don’t understand. Was he implying that his mother actually believed him this time when he said he was going to work construction in Florida? Where are his damn tools? Am I to believe he is lugging 100 lbs of hammers and saws in that black bag of his? Bullshit on your bum ass pride. You don’t have too much pride to stand on a street and beg for money. It is ok to take money and do absolutely nothing in exchange but when someone offers you a chance to “earn” the money your pride makes you turn it down.   Bill if you are so concerned that your mom will find out that you are a lazy beggar then stop begging – other than that swallow your damn pride, take the money, and feel good that the next time your face is on a magazine or website that you actually earned the money. If you are willing to lie to your mom about working construction then lie about the next time your mom sees you in some magazine.

 

I think this revelation entered his scraggly red head after seeing the money which I had in my hand being put back into my pocket. His change of heart came as I climbed into my car and started to roll up the window and prepare to drive off. Suddenly he suggested a compromise. “Just don’t shoot my face” was his suggestion. I really don’t know what Bill was thinking. I agreed but wished I could be on hand when he returned home because how many other Bill’s from Maine have lied to their mom’s about going South to work in Florida when actually traveling the country by panhandling and begging only to appear on a magazine cover and website. So if any of our readers happen to be heading to Maine, print out a copy of our little story, say hello to Bill’s mom and slip her a copy so she can feel the warm glow of motherly love.