...view of a burning city

…I don’t know what it is about me that inexplicably draws the “street kids” to me asking for change or “a couple bucks to get a room for the night.” maybe it’s the fact that my arms are covered in tattoos that were obviously obtained in a reputable tattoo shop (which I can only assume signals that I a: have money and/or b: am going to be “cool”)…maybe it’s my expensive laptop bag (little do they know that the company I work for makes high end, “sustainable” bags and other outdoor gear and was thus obtained for free)…or maybe it’s the fact that I have expensive headphones (which apparently are no longer a deterrent to panhandling), an iPod, and an iPhone (again obviously signaling to them that I must have money)…

…little do they realize that while yes, I do have a job that affords me a (modestly) comfortable life that occasionally allows me to indulge in a few high end electronic devices and some fresh ink in my skin; the only thing that really separates me from them IS my job…without it I’d be on the street begging for change just like them…

…still it makes me wonder why pick me over any of the countless other people on the street that are obviously not trying to enjoy a podcast while waiting for their train…

…just another mystery of people and the things they do