Without a Home in Smithfield

(The Goose - Street Art in Smithfield by Subset)

When I see a homeless person I wonder what circumstances led them to live in the streets. Were they ex-military, and if so, why can't the government step in? Where are their friends and family? Can't they find a job, even a minimum wage job, any job? Where do they go to the bathroom? Do they suffer from mental illness and will they hurt me?

Researching Experiences on Airbnb, I noticed the Homeless Walking Tour in Dublin - a neighborhood tour presented by someone who experienced homelessness in the very neighborhood. I took the tour today given by a kind, personable soul, Shane, 37 years old. His is a touching story and it can happen to anyone. As I walked, I tried to think thru what Shane was saying, and found myself, yet once again, using my privileged life and my simple brain to solve complex problems I don't understand. Yes, everyone has a family, but not all families are healthy solutions. Also when you are homeless, you may be a drug addict or an alcoholic. So "life can spiral and everything bad is amplified." (I hope I quoted that correctly.)

Shane gave an interesting perspective when he explained how homeless people sit on the pavement, and all day they see hundreds of peoples' feet shuffle past. Eyes averted. No one stops to talk to the homeless. Shane says to acknowledge their presence; ask them their story.

After the tour, I walked along Grafton St which is a pedestrian shopping street and forum for musicians and performers. There was a young, pretty, blonde woman who sat on the pavement by a poem she penned in chalk. True to form, many shoppers walked passed her and even more rudely across her words.