Velociworld

Real Homeboys

The refuse collectors were 11 hours late today, it being the Christmas detritus day. They were in ebullient spirits, though, no doubt enjoying overtime.

I went to the gas station (you say convenience store, I say gas station. Let's agree to disagree) for batteries. One cretin womanning the register, the line was long. I realized my refuse guys were in front of me, so I said "You guys kicked butt today." He came alive, and said "We aren't finished yet. My first truck broke down, and I've had to make two extra trips to the dump, probably a third tonight, but we'll get it done."

A glum queue came alive at this. The guy in front of him said "You're the trash guy! You guys did a good job today." Conversation ensued, and it was alright hearing some banter about the asskicking the trash guys did on their busiest day of the year.

I don't relate this because I want anyone to think I fancy myself a Man of the People, or a person who pats himself on the back because he talks to the Garbage Man. I'll tell you this, though: when I lived on Memorial Drive in Atlanta I had a neighbor who was a Garbage Man, and he made a decent living at it, and he enjoyed it. "Don't worry about me," he said. "I do just fine."

That was 21 years ago, and I've always taken care of my refuse collectors, although the fifty I left taped in an envelope today seemed paltry after the gas station conversation.

I take care of my guys in other ways, though. I eschew Goodwill because they resell donations. They are a jobs program. I think the Salvation Army does a good job, but I drop in the bucket, when some ACLU screwhead or corporate lawyer isn't chasing them away. Target suffered this year from my wallet. QVC did quite nicely, unfortunately.

Back to my point: when I have an old computer, or furniture, or anything I have no more use for I always give it to my Garbage Men. They always figure out how to lash it onto the rig, at least until they can deposit it for later recovery. They appreciate it, and I know it goes to people I care about. Even if they resell it.

I like my crew. They know the drill, and keep an eye out. They are neighbors.