Inquiry

I walk-up to an old man With broken crippled hands. I inquire, “Where is Harbor Street?” and he responds, “Two blocks to the east” And with that I began to leave but curiosity intervened, I turned back and pressed, “Excuse me, good sir, it might be rude to ask but I would like to know how your hands were ruined so?” A moment, maybe two passed before he responded at last “How is it your right man, women, or child’s right to walk-up to me and ask. It is always the same question and I tire of giving answers." With that rebuke I made to give apology and say, "I’m so very sorry" but am I truly? Why should I be? “Indeed,” I retort, "but is curiosity so bad, should all people just live their own lives rather and to hell with everyone else? I believe too many people presume that already, too many people believe in just caring for themselves and nobody else. I ask you out of common courtesy, rather than ignoring the obvious and I ask you out of sympathy, rather than out of morbid curiosity.” He then looked me straight in the eyes, seemingly unmarred, but in seconds his features slackened and assumed a wearied resolve. “Do you remember the war boy?” I shrug,“Which one?” The Old Man snorts, “Huh, they are all the same to you, now aren’t they, just words on a page. Well, if you must know, I was in the second one and I was a captain who happened to be following another man who thought he was John Wayne, too. Poor chap, stepped on a mine and was blown to bits and…I received these (He raises his hands). At times I wonder who got the better deal?” I observed him for a moment before further probing, “Do you think it was worth it? Do you think you served your country?" The Old Man eyes narrow, “Umm, of course I served my country, BOY, and the worth that was to me (He laughs)? War is a waste, son, a fucking waste! Now leave me and give me some peace.” And so I walked away. I had my question answered, but ten more to ask. With so much to brood on, it wasn't long until I was two blocks east on Harbor Street.