WAKE UP & PAY ME

The Subway doors wouldn't shut because there was a man who wouldn't let the doors close. He was having some sort of discussion with his friend. It seems like he was giving directions. I wasn't sure what was going on except for the fact that people were getting brutally upset with this guy. He was about 6ft2, had a cross around his neck and had a pretty deep voice for a 16 year old...

And so it begins. "Ladies and Gentleman, My name is Juan, I am 16 years old. You have already lived your live. I haven't even started mine. Please share a dollar with me so something can happen with my life. You have already lived your life. Give me a chance. Give me a chance. I am just asking for a dollar." Although this happens almost every time I get on the subway, this time was different. This kid gave off the impression that if someone doesn't give him money, he would attack someone... "You! Wake up! Why aren't you sharing?! You have lived your life! Haven't you?! Wake the FUCK up?!" An uncomfortable chill went through me but nothing could bring me away from the cool air coming out of the vent. Another ignored beggar on the NYC subway system.. "You Wake UP! I'm fucking alive! I need a chance! Please give me a chance! You have lived your miserable lives! Give me a chance to have one too!"

When we got to the next stop he walked across the whole train and walked right out the doors. I looked ahead where an older man wearing a tucked button down, holding a New Yorker with a briefcase by his foot and headphones in his ears, stood. He catches eyes with me and gives out a "what the fuck was that" chuckle. And just like that, i was accepted into the "normal looking" category of the New York City backdrop.