seeing and being seen

The day started as normal.
Negotiating traffic, desperate for the first cup of coffee for the day!!

I took the usual route to the city, which includes Smith Street in Collingwood.
The usual crowd of commuters, people cuing at their favourite cafes.

As I rode I noticed a familiar face, and she noticed me we smiled and waved to each other as I passed.
It made my day!!

So why was that I hear you ask? well let me tell you.

This person has not had an easy life and has not always been respected and treated well.
Know to me through a community of faith in the area, the last time I saw her she sat next to me and held my and and hugged me.

This was so moving as men had not always treated her well, and were not trusted by her.
This fact was not lost on me, in fact it was one of the most moving experiences I had encountered.

While the smile and wave have been fleeting, it was another reminder that we need each other.

Later in the day as I was loitering around the city, down the various lane ways, which if they could talk would have stories to tell, I heard a voice call out my name.

This was a bloke i had only met recently on the streets one night, where we chatted. I was greeted with a big hug, we chatted briefly and went our ways, planning to meet up later in the week.

Community, looks different for many people, often transient, messy and not always safe.

Today I saw again community at work, as we saw and were seen.