Rant of the Day: Sipho the Street-Corner Sign-Holder

Every morning on my way to work, I pass a gentleman who stands in the road with a sign. The same man, the same street corner, the same sign. As per the sign, which is his only way of presenting his Curriculum Vitae to the world, his name is Sipho. He has experience washing cars, and is looking for work. Sipho is a friendly chap, with bright, nearly-shining eyes, and a big smile of straight white teeth. Basically, as far as street-corner sign-holders go, he is not altogether unpleasant to drive past.

This morning, as usual, Sipho was there, waving and smiling at the passing traffic, sign in hand. Just before I drove past him, someone behind me slowed down and hooted for his attention.

Sipho appears to be about 40 years old, but at that moment his face lit up, and he almost looked like a child, presented with a gift. He did this strange little dance-run towards the car that had hooted at him – such enthusiasm could not be matched! The car had slowed to a near stop – I was so thrilled for Sipho – and then as he reached the vehicle, they accelerated and drove away, leaving Sipho stranded in mid-dance.

Perhaps I’m in a sensitive frame of mind today, but my heart sank to my feet, and I cried for him. I can only begin to imagine the disappointment that must have washed over him, and I wanted to throttle whoever was in that car; I want to maim their cruel existences into nothing. How could anyone wish to crush someone’s spirit in such a brutal act of callousness?

I don’t understand some people in this world. It’s a beautiful Friday morning, why start the day with such unkindness? Why set out to hurt people that have done no harm to you? What is it that makes you such a bitter and twisted person, that your only means of feeling any better is to squash the people around you?

I pity you, you miserable creature. I can not even call you a human being, because there is nothing humane about you.