ambitious

i sat on the train tonight. and, through the earbuds of my ipod, i heard the muffled beginnings of a panhandler making his way through the subway car. this is such a typical occurrence that i, and everyone else, tend to do what city dwellers do best: act as if whatever is happening isn't happening at all.

however, when the man began his spiel, he got everyone's attention.

he began: "excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. i have fallen on troubled times. anyone who can donate 100 dollars. i could really use it." as the subway passengers reluctantly acknowledged his ambitious request with their stifled chuckles, the man respectfully nodded and continued: "ok, i'll take a 50 instead."