Photo; Shandra Beri
Me
Hey, what's your name?
Victor
Victor.
Me
Are you hungry? Do you want me to get you something to eat?
Victor
Oh. Yes. Buffalo Wings.
Me
I'll look, but I don't think they have Buffalo Wings here at Whole Foods. You want me to get you a roasted chicken?
Victor
No, that's okay.
Me
What about a chicken or turkey sandwich?
Victor
That sounds good. Okay.
Me
You want something to drink?
Victor
Uh, yes. Could you get me this Naked pineapple smoothie?
Me
I better take a picture of it because there are a million smoothies in there and I know I won't remember.
CLICK
Me
Anything else? Want some baby wipes?
Victor
Yes!
Me
Water?
Victor
Yes! Actually, do you have enough money to get me a bottle of Alkaline water? I'm trying to cleanse my liver.
Me
Yeah, sure, I can afford that. Anything else?
Victor
No. Thank you.
I shop for awhile and then return with a bag for Victor.
Me
Hey Victor, here's your stuff. I couldn't find your exact protein drink, but this one is Pina Colada. Also, I sprang for 2 Alkaline Waters.
I hand Victor the bag and I can see that he is feeling discomfort. He starts to tell me why he is homeless.
Me
Hey, Victor, you don't have to tell me your story. I just want you to feel better about today, okay?
Victor
Okay. (pause) You know, white people suck- but not you.
Me
Victor, white people don't suck, the people that run the corporations suck.
Victor
I agree with that, but white people do suck.
Me
You could be right...
Victor
Not you though!
Me
Hahaha... have a nice day Victor. There's hot bacon on that turkey sandwich!
Very nice. And interesting. I've done much the same thing- had much the same conversation. Not many opportunities out here in the MN boonies, though.
ReplyDeleteLikely anyone named 'Victor' you meet in the woods where you live would be a bear and the conversation would sound more like, 'GRRRRAWGGGHHH!'.
DeleteShandra, I'm a fan from your Roxanne era. Always wondered what happened to you and then found your blog. I have been enjoying it for a few days now. Very clever and entertaining. Like "Humans of New York" meets "American Photographer"
ReplyDeleteKeep it up!
The Argot- what a fantastic nom de plume! Thanks for stopping by and leaving nice words. I loved "Humans of New York" and "American Photographer" was just flat out flattery.
ReplyDelete:)