The Bum

"That’s very interesting," I said. Then, I got to the only question that was on my mind at this point. "Does it pay well?"

I couldn’t really tell whether or not he laughed. If he did, it was the most smooth and soft laugh I have ever seen, just one brief shake of his body followed by a pleasant laugh sound. I think he laughed because he knew that I was going to ask that. He said, "Oh no. Flower arrangers aren’t in it for the money. The pay is very low."

"I see."

Perhaps that explained things just a bit; he was in it for the joy and not for the money. All right, so where did he get money?

I half asked/half said, "But enough to support yourself I suppose."

"Well," he said, "I require little support."

I wasn’t surprised. But I could not help but wonder just what he meant by that.

"So you don’t work when you’re on the road I’m guessing," I paused and he answered me positively with his silence, "then how exactly do you get by? What do you eat?"

"I’m not much for eating," he said seriously with a facetious edge.

I just looked at him and smiled wryly. "Not much for eating, eh?" I said questioningly.

"It is my opinion that people worry about eating too much. I prefer to just let it be. I can’t remember the last time I ate a real meal. I survive on dandelions and forest greens, and I’m fine. Most people even tell me they think I’m better than fine in terms of health."

I found this partly interesting, and partly absurd. I just couldn’t decide whether to scoff at him or praise him for this sort of diet. I just decided to say something simple and silly to avoid insulting him.

"Well that certainly is cheaper I suppose."

He looked at me and did his half smile half laugh again.

"So you’re a vegetarian then I suppose," I asked.

He laughed out loud this time. It was a very relaxing light laugh, but nevertheless it was a laugh. He never answered that question. I was never really sure what he meant by laughing at it.

We were silent for a few moments, and then I said, "That sure is amazing that you can eat so lightly and still maintain body weight."

"Yes, I suppose it is," he said, beaming all the while. Even so, I think he wanted to get off of the food subject. His tone indicated that he was almost arguing on a different level than me, that I couldn’t possibly understand and it was like talking to a wall. This was a bit frustrating to me. I really wished that I could get some more information out of this guy. Never had I met such an unusual fellow.

So finally I just asked him, "So where are you going, really?"

"I was quite serious before; I really have no destination," he said.

Well, that settles that, I thought.

"So why exactly did you leave Lexington? Did you lose your job or something?"

"Well that was quite awhile back. I decided to quit and move on. When the times call for it I will endeavor into the art of flower arranging at the next town, whatever town that may be."

"Hmm. . . I see . . ."