The Homeless Man...

Living downtown certainly has its pros and cons. One of the cons that we must deal with on an almost daily basis is homelessness. Lately it seems to be getting worse. Walking home, walking the dog, sitting on a patio of a café, or just existing in downtown we will all eventually have an encounter with a homeless person. They always ask for money and I always just ignore them and keep on about my business. Usually this is enough and they move on to someone else. There have been times when they become a bit pissy and try and guilt you into giving. Still I just keep on walking, headphones firmly in place.

Lately there has been a homeless man standing in the dark corners of the Dallas Power & Light tower directly across the street from my building. He is, by looks alone, an older black man with a grey beard. Very dirty and smelly. I have seen him many times. I pass by and he says nothing and I say nothing. Just the way it is. When he does speak he simply mutters. Obviously mentally ill and/or drunk-usually both. He has taken to standing in the dark recessed windows of DP&L and masturbates when a woman passes by. You can see it all! People have called the police and yet he still returns. Last night as I was walking Moses out he was sleeping in our lobby. I didn’t say a word to him and just walked out as usual. I called 911 and told them the issue. A policeman came along and removed him. I am not sure what they did with him but he certainly was no longer in our lobby.

I guess I have become immune to all this. I used to worry about them and give them money. But now I just step over them and then take an elevator ride to my luxury loft. I also get pissed when I see other people giving them food and money. It just makes things worse. A solution to keeping the homeless out is about as forthcoming as world peace. Ain’t gonna happen. Sometimes I feel bad and wish they had help. Sometimes I wish they would just disappear.