Pause

He is wearing a tattered green and khaki camouflaged jacket belted at the waste, salt splattered army pants frayed at the cuffs, and worn army boots. His bright red toque and bright fuchsia scarf look brand new, possibly acquired quite recently from the street outreach team. Beside him is parked a cart with wheels, piled high with treasured and useful items. A toaster oven, two neatly folded towels, a blue duffel bag, 2 plastic water bottles held together with duct tape, flattened cardboard from a Tim Horton’s box, tidily arranged. His face is deeply lined and wants a shave, his hands are chapped from the cold. He is standing at the library catalogue terminal, absorbed in search after search. Curious, I steal a glance over his shoulder. His search? “Feminism in 20th Century Voltaire.”