Why so serious?

I have become too serious! That was the realization of the week. I have forgotten to rejoice, have a laugh and to create some general shallow banter. Life can easily become too serious. Don't get me wrong. Life is difficult, challenging and confusing at times. I am in the middle of some conundrums and paradoxes myself, but those should not rob...

Read More

9 Survival Rules of the streets

Some of my homeless friends gave me 'rules' for surviving the streets: 1. Never trust anyone. Your best friend will rob you when they need a fix. You can never let your guard down. 2. Don't sleep on the streets. People will rob you, if you are lucky. If you are unlucky you will be killed. Stay awake at night. Sleep during the day. If you really...

Read More

Rays Of Hope

Most of my stories have been pretty negative. Real, but not very uplifting. I feel for the readers of this blog. After each read, you are likely to need a couple of days to recover.  I don't want to push any of you over the edge! This is a search for hearts, hope and freedom... To find the happy and positive stories of the streets. I wish...

Read More

Junkies

As a teenager, I enjoyed films like Trainspotting and Requiem For A Dream... In my mind they were pieces of art telling great stories. I never realized the reality of it all. Like in real all around me where I live. Last night was by far the most shocking and dreadful night I have experienced on the streets. At some point I walked away by myself...

Read More

Purposefully Vague

Asante never opens up to me. He is a young man of around 18. He doesn't trust me and why should he? He is wary of me, and of other people. I ask him a question, he dodges the answer. He is purposefully vague. The other day I asked him where he was born. He replied: "South Africa". Well thank you... Who do you share your struggles with? The...

Read More

Begging

I am begging - You walk by When I smile - you think I am high When I look sad - you think I have a hang over When I cough - you think you should start running, from TB..or HIV When I scratch my nose - you think I just snorted coke When I look into your eyes - you think I am challenging you When I look tired - you think I am lazy You don't...

Read More

2014 Resolutions

Every year I plan to write down some of my hopes and dreams for the New Year. I never do it as 'busyness' takes over. I know these ones are rather late, but better late than never.  Nonetheless 14 Hopes for 2014: 1) SQUASH NEGATIVITY. I am inclined to be critical. It is not a good thing. St. Benedict said that speaking negatively about people...

Read More