I passed the young man standing
Along the street in front of the craft
Store.
He wasn't a typical fellow asking for
A handout.
He was playing a violin.
And while I pumped gas into my
Car I argued with my conscience.
"You need to give him something."
"But I have only a $20 bill."
"Give it to him."
As I drove the same route home I
Searched until I found a parking spot
And I approached the musician.
To my untrained ear he seemed to be
Very proficient.
I recognized the song he was playing from
The "Fiddler on the Roof."
"Where did you learn?" I asked him."
"In Moldova."
I didn't even know where the country was.
"South of the Ukraine," he explained.
He moved here with his mom and three
Siblings and is trying to earn money until
They are able to get jobs.
I noticed the young man's bracelets and offered
Him mine.
He loved it.
When I explained the colors he said, "It
Makes so much sense."
He was already familiar with the meaning of
The black and red beads because his mother
Had taught him about Jesus.
I discovered the young man writes poetry like
I do.
I won't forget his name since it is the same as
My son-in-law's.
Whether or not his story was accurate doesn't
Really matter to me.
I knew I had no choice but to toss that $20 bill
Into his violin case.