Trash Can Treasure

~ by Rodney Crater ~

Joe bent over and rummaged through a mire of stained paper, putrid cans and bottles. The cool crisp air captured his breath as he exhaled, the vapor forming small puffs that lingered in front of him. He stood for a moment and with gloved hands that sprouted bare fingers from well worn holes, he tugged the frayed collar of his fading jungle camouflage jacket tighter around his neck. Reaching in again, he shuffled more paper aside and hastily pulled a crumpled paper sack from the dumpster. Joe opened it eagerly and found the treasure he desired most. A half eaten burger and at least ten french fries, lay frozen in the bottom of the bag.

Eagerly, he pulled the sandwich from the bag. His empty stomach growled, anticipating the treasure. As he placed the bounty to his lips a slight movement caught his eye to the side of the trash bin. Lottie lay there, legs pulled tightly against herself, half covered in newspaper and cardboard. She was huddling, her arms wrapped around her knees, as she tried to keep out the cold that penetrated her soiled knit hat and torn cotton coat. She looked at him and mustered what strength she had left to smile at an old friend. Joe, despite his own stomach aching, now felt his heart ache even more knowing she was far worse off than he. Slowly he crouched beside her and brushed back the matted hair from her face. She reached up and held his arm softly with gnarled stiff fingers as he broke the food into small pieces, placing each one in her toothless mouth until the sack was empty.

Until Then