On the boulevard

I had a few hours to myself today. Sat down at the beach staring at the end of the world. When I got up to walk back I met Tomer. 67 years old, former policeman. Biking along the boulevard on his silver mountain bike. We start walking and talking together and he points out the bottles that he is collecting. 'For the homeless' he explains 'I collect bottles for the homeless'. He bends over and picks up a screw that he adds to his basket. Shows me pictures of his wife and son, they look like old pictures, very old. When we say goodbye he asks me for a contribution. 'Some money for the homeless?' I empty my wallet into his hands. Like he said, it's not good to be without a job. His toothless mouth smiles me a goodbye as I walk on.