Barest of Bones

October 27, 2013

   Hung hundreds of t-shirts with BareBones skeletons, flying bats, pumpkin heads, buffalos, unique and artsy designs on tanks, short-sleeves, long-sleeves, hoodies, sweatshirts, jeans, aprons, knit hats, gloves, curtains and cloth bags. I was able to participate, in the audience, for the show. A spectacular play turns to circus, complete with actors on stilts, flame-throwing acrobatics and outdoor puppet extravaganza. It was incredibly cold with the wind, parked on straw bales in the middle of the park yet I warmed, as I served hot potato and lentil soups as well as chili, to the mob.

   One man in particular caught my eye, gaunt with eyes only for the bowls on my large silver tray, coming back too many times to count. He carried, in his other hand, a double-bagged weighed Lunds sack. He chose far too many servings of soup for one sitting, without getting seriously ill. I suspect he was storing a vessel in the woods to add more variety to his meager daily rations. Perhaps he has a family, hidden away in the forest, emaciated and wanting. A thin hand poured out of his long dingy green sleeve to grasp another Styrofoam (shudder) bowl to add to his collection, and he disappeared from the light, in the far reaches of the trees.

   The event was free, a donation requested but not always provided. An incredible number of volunteers were present, setting up at 5:00 and breaking down until past 10:30 at night. The Sisters Camelot catered the show out of their fifth wheel vehicle.  Wondrous soups, breads, hot beverages and organized chaos that partners with free food and drink. The crowd was close to capacity of 1060 and I suspect I touched at least a third of their lives by presenting t-shirt options, offering soup, spoons and a smile in the dark of night. Thanks to my good friend, who shared my woolen jacket, as we huddled on the bale to watch the show and spend time.