This morning I got up early & decided to run since it looked like it was going to rain. I've never been to Centennial Park at 6:30am & I wondered what I would find & if anyone else would be there. Oh, people where there alright, specifically, Park Man.
As soon as I got going, I heard fast-approaching foot steps & moved aside. What ran past me was Park Man. Park Man was slight of build; wearing an undershirt, boxer shorts & house slippers. And he blew right past me. If any of you remember Ira from Mad About You, that's exactly what he looked like.
As I rounded the duck pond, I saw a camp of sorts set up on the bank, under the trees. There was an unfurled sleeping bag, pillows & a newspaper. I had a sneaking suspicion this was where Park Man hung his hat. And it was. As I was finishing my last lap, I saw him laying down, reading the paper, tapping that house-shoed foot to beat the band.
People, don't get me wrong. I'm not mocking or ridiculing the homeless. I'm in awe. If I'm ever so unfortunate as to find myself destitute & living with the ducks in Centennial Park, you can bet your sweet ass that the first thing to go will by my exercise regimen. Park Man was not only running the one mile loop, he was doing it in house shoes. Come on!