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Bus Depot, by Krystyna Fedosejevs

18/6/2018

 
In the waiting room, folks alongside fancy luggage slobber over sandwiches stuffed with drippy fixings. Drink soft drinks or coffee. Rumbling sounds and fumes from buses continue all day.

Late evening, when the line of travellers dwindles, brother and I would make our move. Before maintenance staff arrive to empty out full rubbish bins and wash sticky floors. We scoop up partially eaten decadence discarded with plastic wrappers. Sample foods not served at soup kitchens.

We are hungry. Our walk through the intercity bus depot is the only ride we can afford. Where people travel to, we couldn’t care less.

Martin McConnell link
18/6/2018 02:16:22 pm

A side of life that few notice, sometimes even those in desperate situations. The amount of fresh food thrown away day could easily solve hunger, but the people trashing most of it (clearing ready-made food in stores) worry that generosity would be taken advantage of (and to a degree they are right) resulting in a drop in profits. But what if...what if we gave it a shot, and instead of piling up fresh bread and donuts in clean trash bags and transporting them straight to the dumpster, they were instead donated daily? What if these companies made charity and "free" food part of their business model, and actually prospered from the change? What if regulations and oversight were changed to allow them to do it?

Our view of different aspects of society comes in facets, and often we don't see the damage we cause to neighboring facets when we regulate one at a time.

Krystyna
18/6/2018 04:04:16 pm

Thank you for your insightful comment, Martin.
Yes, I believe we can make change for the better if we try.
Although it would be difficult to get everyone on board. Ideas are plentiful and free. Getting social programs in place, cutting down on waste at various levels is a logistical nightmare. We all know how governments and lobby groups work or don’t work.

I do my bit by helping the poor. On occasion, I have boughten a poor hungry person a sandwich and/or drink.

Still lots to do.


Martin McConnell link
18/6/2018 09:33:04 pm

A single act of kindness is worth more than a thousand shouted words, IMHO. ~Marty

Ken
19/6/2018 03:53:55 pm

A gritty portrayal well done in such a short format. It really brings the point home. Congratulations Krystyna on a great piece of work.

Krystyna
20/6/2018 08:54:07 am

Thank you, Ken.


Comments are closed.

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