Bridges

Merril joked that the down and out and homeless had become my buddies while we were in Melbourne.  I was amazed how many people approached me when I was outside Punthill where we were staying.  I guess being in the inner city, that can be expected.  I am surprised though, because underneath this mild exterior is a mild interior.  Actually, that does not sound real threatening.
One guy told me that he had broken up with his girl friend the night before and was punched in the face for no reason.  It sounded like a story, but his tears were hard to fob off.  The punching thing, though it cannot be justified, I thought well if you are out in the city in the small hours of the morning then being punched for no reason is not real surprising.
I’ll admit I had my door card handy at all times so I could make a quick escape inside.  The thing about Melbourne was the daylight saving.  It was still dark at 7am.  I am not used to that at this time of year.  In the middle of winter up here for a short period yes, but not now.
One morning I saw what I thought was a women on the phone and thought nothing of it.  I did think something of it when I realized it was two guys who looked like they had chosen this place to sleep.  At that point I hurried inside.
I was disappointed in myself when a woman approached me asking if I had any buds on me.  I really did not think she meant flower buds, as that would be an unusual request at any time, let alone first thing in the early morning.
I took her enquiry to be about ear buds that are normally attached to a phone to listen to music.  I discouraged her and she went away.  The thing was, buried in my pockets I had the only buds that fitted my phone.  The ramifications of saying I had them could have been vast, but at the very least it could have opened up the conversation big time.  I will never know.
I beat myself up about that.  Then I realized I did not need to.  I may have failed, but I am not a failure.  I am not as strong as I would like to think I am, but I guess it is a matter of welcome to the human race.  There is no doubt in my mind that sort of situation will arise again.
In the mean time I can only cross each bridge as I come to it.  Some bridges will be a breeze to cross.  Others will be more difficult.  Some I may fail to cross – the first time.  Eventually though, that bridge will be crossed, and I will move on.