This weekend passed without serious incident (sigh of relief). There were no illogical attendants and no irrational drivers on the road, save for yours truly. Despite the tranquility of my weekend there was a parenthetical point of note that I want to share with you all.
On Saturday night, as I was leaving the hospitable atmosphere of Walker's XL Pizza on the Pig Farm junction in Accra, I was approached by a man. He was unkempt, short and wore a melancholic expression upon his weathered face. He asked me for a minute of my time to which I obliged. He proceeded to pour out his story in the most mournful manner I had ever witnessed (and i have witnessed quite a few). As he recounted his ordeal tears welled up in his eyes and he began to sob profusely.
Briefly, he told he was from Benin, a victim of theft and stranded in Accra. He told me of how he had asked others for a little money so that he may find something to 'chop' and how he was promptly told to 'Go chop your mother.'
I'm human, I was touched, I opened my wallet . He thanked me, showered me with blessings and ran, joy in each stride, holding his 'alms' aloft in such a manner that warmed my 'giving' heart.
As I drove home I reflected on what had just 'gone-down.' The more I thought about it the more I questioned, was I a Samaritan or a Sucker, Eleemosynary or an Eejit .
(Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon - Results are in, I have been reliably informed that I am a Sucker.. I was defrauded, bamboozled, hoodwinked, led by the nose, played false, juggled, diddled, swindled, conned, tricked, had, hustled, deceived and I've learnt my lesson)
Ah, I knew i would be sucker. Its so common these days that I wonder if I will be able to identify a person truly in dire need of help!
ReplyDeletealways offer to get what they're asking for for them. if they refuse then you know.
ReplyDeleteif they say they want food.. say "come with me.. i'll buy the food so we can eat together"
if they say they need it for a fare... say "i'll call the taxi and drop you off there"
if they say need to get a bus to benin... say "i'll drive you down to the stc yard and buy the ticket for you"
make them turn it down. they know they wont be "earning" any money while they're stuck with you so they'll ask for "something small" then you can walk away.
Thats brilliant Faf. Simple and sweet. Everybody with a genuine need and I thank you.
ReplyDeleteDon't you worry.
ReplyDeleteWhat goes round comes round.
You will surely meet the fellow again. They always come back with richer tales. He will come to tell you another tall story having forgotten the experience he has left with you.
Then you can give his sorry ass a kick!
Really consider what you did for him as a form of investment. You shall reap!!
The rime of the ancient mariner. Except, here, your interlocutor was fleecing you. Nice feel about the writing.
ReplyDelete