Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones, an elderly man in his late 80’s, lives in my neighborhood. He walks everywhere. He has no car and dislikes the municipal bus system. I occasionally ask him if he would like a ride to the grocery store or the doctor. Often, he politely declines, saying, “ No, I need the exercises.” Sometimes, near the end of the month he will stop by and ask to borrow $5-10 dollars “until I get my checks.” He always pays me back.
I like Mr. Jones. He’s a nice man. I like it that he dresses with great care. I think it’s a matter of self-respect with him. I admire his unwavering self-esteem. For the past year I have taken to stopping and making a photograph when I see him walking the town. I think he is secretly pleased.

This is unpublished work in progress.