A mosaic of colorful envelops, each with a simple title on it, spread on the footpath like a carpet, a stack of more envelops on the side, a small basket upfront with a sign 'Poetry Oracle: by donation' and a man dressed in a coat of many colors sitting on a folding chair beside it - was what I stumbled upon as I walked by the river one evening. I stopped to read the titles and stood silently, when we came around to stand beside me and asked if a particular color appealed to me.



I picked the pistacio green that said "Song of the Sky Loom". He recited the poem from memory and told me it was from the Navajo Indians of North America. We chatted a bit more. I learned that he has been on the streets for 25 years. His memory contains all the poems spread out before him and more. He was generous with his care and concern and excellent at reading the poems. A man one who honors his calling is a happy man, spreading happiness.