My Friend Curtis

Curtis is a simple kind man. I've known him for two weeks now. He is very friendly. He has a short white beard, wears sweatpants and smiles without ceasing.

I wish you could all know my friend Curtis, he isn't angry at anyone, cares enough about people to remember their names, and has a servants heart.

Curtis works at the southwest corner of Tidwell and 59. He pumps gas (which I believe is illegal) and cleans windows for people visiting the Shell station.

I don't understand how Curtis is always happy. I don't understand why he isn't mad at me. I don't understand why he would wash my windows for me when i'm not looking, and then tell me not to worry about it when I tell him I don't have any cash. I can't figure out why Curtis would want to have anything to do with me.

See I have lots, and waste much. Curtis has nothing. The first time I met Curtis it was the first cool night of the year. He didn't even have a long sleeved shirt on. The workers at the gas station were kind enough to let him wash windows for money, but wouldn't let him hang out inside. He stood by the door to catch a blast of heat every time someone walked in or out.

Curtis and I got to talking tonight. About how people in the suburbs have too much (I really did most of the talking, Curtis is great at listening), and how they waste lots of it. Curtis didn't get angry, or bitter. He got serious. His smile disappeared. I'm putting thoughts in Curtis' brain here because he didn't say anything else, but I think Curtis was sad for the suburbanites, and how they had life so upside-down.

I have lived and worked in the suburbs for most of my life, and I know plenty of unhappy people (don't tell anyone, but I've been one most of my life too). How does it work that Curtis, who has serious needs that aren't being met fully, can be happy and smile and enjoy his interaction with me, while someone who lives in the suburbs and doesn't know what need is, is always unhappy. I have not known need in my life, my needs have always been met (I have hardly known wont in my life). How can this man be happy? Maybe it goes back to my quote in my previous post (consumerism) from Mclaren, who talks about how we seek quantity and don't truly learn to enjoy things. Things are good, and are for enjoyment, but we just seek more of them, not true enjoyment of them.

I really truly want anyone who is driving by to stop off and see if Curtis is in. He is usually there on Sunday nights. Curtis said he can always use clothes. I'm sure he would enjoy warm leftovers as well.