Discard the old and make way for the new

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DISCARD THE OLD AND MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW

 

 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the dusty crowded sidewalk, I caught sight of an ancient black man, his arms and legs bent and folded in a tight seated position on the curb of a traffic lined street.

 

His rough gnarled hands appeared to take on the weight of a troubled life of hardship, poverty and despair as they cradled his almost bald head.  He sat motionless and even the few tufts of white hair remained still in the breeze as it channelled its way down the road between the buildings.

 

What made me forget the urgency of my errand?  What was so compelling about the sight of this wizened old man that caused me to pause and reflect?  Worse still, why was I so moved by this pitiful sight when all around me were the sad listless faces of the homeless crouching in their corners and the starving and destitute street children competing with each other for handouts?

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This pathetic image spoke volumes as I imagined his plight as his twilight years were drawing to an end.  I drew closer and could just make out some features which were not obscured by his hands.  His dry parchment like skin was dull and lay in loose folds around his neck and limbs.  Where his bones protruded through the skin it became taught and smooth which seemed to shine whitely in the harsh midday sun.  His tired and emaciated arms belied their strength no doubt due to a life of toil and drudgery.

 

His clothes, though old and ...

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