His name is John. The sign in the open guitar case where passers-by can drop him some cash gives him the title of Authentic Starving Artist. I see him most days on the sidewalk that runs along the wall marking the west boundary of Union Station in downtown Washington DC.
He plays and sings. His voice is a little gruff, but his fingers are very nimble. His repertoire consists mostly of popular rock tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s. For you younger readers, that’s music from a time before cell phones, video games, or the ‘net. Back then our year didn’t start with a two.
I generally drop a buck or two into his guitar case maybe once a week. I finally took a minute to chat with John. I mentioned how I’ve noticed he is out there playing his songs even in the harshest heat or cold. A grin came across his face. His reply, “I’m just crazy that way.” He told me it’s important for him to keep his fingers in good shape. He looks to me to be a man in his late 60s. When it’s cold I notice he wears knit gloves with the finger tips cut out so he can play.
He said, “People tell me I make them smile.” I agree. Every time I pass by him, as so many do every morning, my steps feel a little lighter for his music and dedication. I told him so. “Then my job is done,” he quipped with an open smile. It’s his version of an honest day’s work. His rewards are a few dollars cast into his guitar case, and the smile people give him as they walk to their own work.
We shook hands and bid good day. I went on my way to my work. I doubt anyone’s steps feel any lighter while I’m in the office doing my version of an honest day’s work.
He plays and sings. His voice is a little gruff, but his fingers are very nimble. His repertoire consists mostly of popular rock tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s. For you younger readers, that’s music from a time before cell phones, video games, or the ‘net. Back then our year didn’t start with a two.
I generally drop a buck or two into his guitar case maybe once a week. I finally took a minute to chat with John. I mentioned how I’ve noticed he is out there playing his songs even in the harshest heat or cold. A grin came across his face. His reply, “I’m just crazy that way.” He told me it’s important for him to keep his fingers in good shape. He looks to me to be a man in his late 60s. When it’s cold I notice he wears knit gloves with the finger tips cut out so he can play.
He said, “People tell me I make them smile.” I agree. Every time I pass by him, as so many do every morning, my steps feel a little lighter for his music and dedication. I told him so. “Then my job is done,” he quipped with an open smile. It’s his version of an honest day’s work. His rewards are a few dollars cast into his guitar case, and the smile people give him as they walk to their own work.
We shook hands and bid good day. I went on my way to my work. I doubt anyone’s steps feel any lighter while I’m in the office doing my version of an honest day’s work.
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