Surprised by Poe

Michael and I headed out to the Park Blocks for street ministry, armed with a carafe of coffee, a stack of cups, and Divine Mercy cards with our lunch and Mass times. These are the means we use to connect with those living on the streets. As we walked, we saw a young man whom I at first hesitated to approach. He was wearing all black, clothing with multiple patches and spikes everywhere, eyeliner, and black lipstick.

I thought I would just smile and say hello and give him a cup of coffee. I introduced myself, we shared an awkward handshake, I handed him the coffee, and before I knew it, I sat down next to him on a bench. At first, I started to talk about his patches. “ Do you patch them yourself? How do you do it? What's your favorite?” As soon as he started talking, I could feel his excitement about his clothes and that he was proud of his patchwork, his artwork. We shifted through multiple topics, from patches to Avatar the Last Airbender, an anime series. There was a sense of familiarity. It felt as though I was chatting it up with a friend about his favorite show.

Soon after, we started talking about family, when I mentioned that this show in particular was a comfort for my cousin and me. This led to conversation about his family and the two people he treasured most, his grandpa, a man who showed him what a true man is and how we should act toward others, and his grandma, a women with a lot of love for everyone, both of whom had passed away. He was very vulnerable in speaking about both of them, and we both started to cry.

I was surprised that within our short exchange, a man in black with hard-core exterior, shared his innermost feelings and was tearing up on a park bench. It was a blessing. By the end of our visit, he asked for a prayer for both of them. He had mentioned earlier that was more of a free spirit and focused on philosophical teachings, yet he asked for prayers.

This encounter with Poe has allowed me to be more open to each person I encounter. And it has taught me that God will surprise me constantly in this mission.

~Lillianna Chavez