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September 11, 2007

Since, I’m out of the job and all, cause I had one of those nervous breakdowns…I’ve been trying to find something to do. I just happened to run into a guy from the Lakewood Observer last night, and he told me I should write for the paper. So today I went on my first mission to write a story. Well, have I got a story for you… It all started when I saw an old friend of mine sitting outside what can be a very bad chain coffee house - dant dant dant - Caribou. But he’s my friend, he likes their coffee better than Phoenix's, and that’s his prerogative. So I went to say hello. And then da da da da….the smartest man in the world comes walking by with eyes so pure it hurts. He has a knapsack on his back, and looks like he’s been trudging for miles.

So I go and say “hello”, ‘cause that’s just what I do,
I asked him where he’s going. he said down by the zoo.
He likes to smell the flowers there, and finds plenty of food
I asked him if he needed a ride, didn’t mean to intrude
he said no, he walks, he likes to walk, walks everywhere he goes.
Says he’s been walking for 11 years, walking is all he knows
Always was his dream he said, to walk around the world
Walked this country more than 14 times, now watches those clouds swirl
I watched and saw him watching, soaking it up like a sponge
I asked if I could write a story, said sure, and sorry for the grunge
So here’s the story of Daniel Shay, and where it all began
Took off from Santa Rosa, landed in Michigan.
He left when he was twenty seven, as he took off his only hat
Only carry what he needs, says he likes to camp
He has very little money, for those little jams
Picked some oranges for 3 dollars an hour examining his hands
He told me amazing stories of who he’s met and where he’s gone
He likes to migrate like a bird, and make friends with everyone
He’s walked right through a hurricane, came close to getting struck
Still has no fear of the rain, and has never gotten stuck
Goes diving thru the dumpsters, always finding luck
He sleeps outside all the time, don’t care if its in muck
I ask if I could take his picture, but I left my camera home
Didn’t mind and he said sure, rather not be alone.
We drove to my apartment, he was looking all around
He was so amazed that I rent, astonished by this town
Picking up my candles telling which flowers that they smell
In the scientific name, so many facts for him to tell
I asked again what’s in his sack, he said everything he needs
I gave him a lunch to pack, wanted to give him something to read
He’s got a book already, needs nothing more to rack
Still wanted to give him something more, he said he didn’t lack
I set out for my mission on this day to observe
I found the greatest observer of them all, one we don’t deserve
Grateful for each tiny moment that was given to him
His heart not so good, even though it brims
Don’t know long he’s got, and someone stole his hat
So If you see Daniel Shay walking, try giving him a map.


This story is completely true, and it happened today. Almost like a real life Forest Gump. He was completely respectful and kind. He told me a hilarious joke too. Part of me wonders if he’s tired of walking. The smartest man I ever met, and he’s homeless, and lonely. Even pretty handsome. He has no idea his virtue, and sometimes still gets treated bad. He’ll be on his way to Florida soon and doesn’t want to be alone. I think he likes company, and he knows how to survive. He knows how to teach you to be alive.