Day Four

8/21/14 Day Four

The street musician creates a momentary refuge from errands, bills and traffic. Such respite appears desperately needed by many. In freely and joyfully giving away art, with only the opened-case suggestion that tips will be accepted, the busker opens an opportunity for kindness. And Tucsonans are nothing if not kind.

I had never been looked at so intently in my life. In her mother's embrace, one of Earth's newest souls was searching mine. I fiddled as soothingly as possible while her eyes, big as Chinese spinning plates, never looked away. She, more so than any other shopper that afternoon, really heard and saw me. And as my tired arms finally came to rest, her little ones came up...to sign "more" in baby sign language.

"Cheers!" said a cheerful cart roundup guy! I got cash back just for you, said another fine fellow. Then, to close the evening, an offer of sponsorship at the local sweat lodge.

Is this a peso or a centavo?