Such a perfect example of the wild, dense, complex universes which walk around, disguised simply as strangers... Thank you, Ben. I was really in need of some warm & fuzzy feelings towards my fellow man after the week I've had, and you delivered ❤️
Aw man, this made me smile. And his interior—so rich, tender even. If only we all humanized one another the way you do. 💛
“He had been having good dreams– the sunlit library in Philly where he went as a kid most days, the smell of his grandmother’s biscuits, and weirdly, the sound of crows. He loved crows.”
I'm enjoying these, Ben. A beautiful contrast between the harsh bed and his comforting dream:
"...a precious thing when you sleep on concrete every night of the year. He had been having good dreams– the sunlit library in Philly where he went as a kid most days, the smell of his grandmother’s biscuits, and weirdly, the sound of crows. He loved crows."
You remind me of the years I spent living in Brighton Ben, there were so many who spent their nights sleeping on concrete. One in particular, bearded and kind, always had a smile and I gave and gave to this gentleman - for I am certain he was once. I always wondered what he dreamed of, not only while sleeping but while walking the streets... now I think I know! Thank you
Having just placed my novel, Shattered, in two local Little Libraries, I hope they find someone wanting to imagine a place they’ve wanted to visit. (Although we may all be living the future world imagined in the book sooner than we want…).
I wanted to do something for my birthday to give to my community. (And I asked for readers to sign the books and put them back in another Little Library—I hope to get lots of signatures, though in reality the books will likely disappear and never be found again 😆 …or… never be selected from the first library 😱)
Your tenderness toward this man shines off the page (screen), and moves me to look and listen to him more carefully than I might otherwise have. Thank you for leading with your humanity.
Such a perfect example of the wild, dense, complex universes which walk around, disguised simply as strangers... Thank you, Ben. I was really in need of some warm & fuzzy feelings towards my fellow man after the week I've had, and you delivered ❤️
Aw man, this made me smile. And his interior—so rich, tender even. If only we all humanized one another the way you do. 💛
“He had been having good dreams– the sunlit library in Philly where he went as a kid most days, the smell of his grandmother’s biscuits, and weirdly, the sound of crows. He loved crows.”
Thanks, Kimberly. I wish it was a practice that extended beyond my writing. I write toward the person I aspire to be.
I'm enjoying these, Ben. A beautiful contrast between the harsh bed and his comforting dream:
"...a precious thing when you sleep on concrete every night of the year. He had been having good dreams– the sunlit library in Philly where he went as a kid most days, the smell of his grandmother’s biscuits, and weirdly, the sound of crows. He loved crows."
Thank you, Ann.
You remind me of the years I spent living in Brighton Ben, there were so many who spent their nights sleeping on concrete. One in particular, bearded and kind, always had a smile and I gave and gave to this gentleman - for I am certain he was once. I always wondered what he dreamed of, not only while sleeping but while walking the streets... now I think I know! Thank you
Thank you, Susie. You really have been in so many places in your life. I’m envious.
I really liked your perception of this man🥲& the story👍❤️✌️
This is so profound. Beautifully written 👏🏼
Thanks so much, Divya.
I love these Ben. So much depth created in so few words.
Thanks Emily, I’m glad you’re enjoying them.
Having just placed my novel, Shattered, in two local Little Libraries, I hope they find someone wanting to imagine a place they’ve wanted to visit. (Although we may all be living the future world imagined in the book sooner than we want…).
Loving this series, Ben!
That’s cool, CB. I’ve thought of doing the same. I like the idea of an accidental reader.
I wanted to do something for my birthday to give to my community. (And I asked for readers to sign the books and put them back in another Little Library—I hope to get lots of signatures, though in reality the books will likely disappear and never be found again 😆 …or… never be selected from the first library 😱)
love this series, Ben - this is such a good vignette.
Thanks, Matt!
I like crows, too!
I don't know why, but this reminded me of my sleepwalking days. I really felt pity for the homeless man.
btw if you get sometime, I would love to continue the conversation we were having , inbox, about writing.
“They were sheep, all of them, and they wouldn’t be prepared for what he knew was coming.”
Such an interesting project, Ben.
Thank you, Holly! Hopefully it will continue to get more interesting as I add more portraits and they begin to interact with each other.
Ohhhh, intriguing.
Yes, sounds Barry Lopez!🌱
Thank you for reading, Mkwawa.
Your tenderness toward this man shines off the page (screen), and moves me to look and listen to him more carefully than I might otherwise have. Thank you for leading with your humanity.
Reminds me a little of my character, Kiko, a homeless vet with a ghost guide.