A WELL-DRESSED PANHANDLER addresses the packed tram car. In his late-30s or mid-40s, he is surprisingly well-groomed for a beggar. He hasn't shaved in a couple of days, however, and his voice is a little scratchy.
WELL-DRESSED PANHANDLER
(loudly, to everyone)
(loudly, to everyone)
Before I get started I just want to say that I'm not tryin' to bother nobody, but please hear me out. This is embarassing, degrading, demoralizing, but when you hear what it is that I have to say . . . you'll understand why I'm doin' it.
Four months ago, I moved here with my newborn son, Nathan, and my wife from Vermont. I just graduated from a six-week security guard training course, which I graduated from at the top of my class, and I'm here tonight asking for your help.
I have to be in Jamaica tomorrow morning at 12:00 with $400 to start my new job, and I have $383 so far. What I'm asking you folks here is that you help me with this last $17.
Four months ago, I moved here with my newborn son, Nathan, and my wife from Vermont. I just graduated from a six-week security guard training course, which I graduated from at the top of my class, and I'm here tonight asking for your help.
I have to be in Jamaica tomorrow morning at 12:00 with $400 to start my new job, and I have $383 so far. What I'm asking you folks here is that you help me with this last $17.
He turns to address the back half of the car as he goes on.
WELL-DRESSED PANHANDLER
(cont.)
(cont.)
$17, surely you can help with anything. I'm missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime because of $17. Anything you can do will help me and my son out, please.
The man stops talking and stands still, arms out from his hips expectantly, like a king who's just asked his servants for the baubles around their necks.
CLOSE ON THE MAN'S ANKLES shows track marks peering out from the lip of his white socks.
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