Homage to a temporary friend

Jerm and I were on our way to an art festival. We were accosted by this gentleman. He politely pulled us to the side and asked for some spare change. We gave him three dollars. I forget his name. He begins to tell us a story about his life. He reveals that no one will give him work because he has a scar. We see that the scar runs from his wrist to his elbow. It's deep, obvious, and is telling of pain. He reveals that he fell and shattered the bone. He continues with the story, about cleaning windshields. There was something different about him. I can tell he's been through this interaction with strangers many times, probably more than I can ever estimate. At this time, I'm too selfish to listen to his entire story. I'm too selfish to give the rest of the money in my wallet. Here I am on my way to an art show and this guy is a living masterpiece. He even asks the make and model of my car so that he can repay me for my contributions. I should have listened to the rest of his story because I would have recieved a humbling that I owe to people with the courage to continue living. He presented himself so calmly and contently. We could all learn great things from a sincere man like this...great things.