Door to door.

 

A sudden knock on my front door. I open the door and see a young man.

He says hello. I am here to collect for……I respond the way a man living in the past would respond.

I say: Good. I will just go and get some cash.

The young man says: I am not allowed to take your money. On your phone I can register you so you can donate money. You will be able to make regular contributions and it’s all tax deductible.

I respond by saying: It’s a good charity. I would like to help by giving you some money.

He rambles on and on about phones, their website, and registering.

I pretend to listen and dream of the good old days. The days of encyclopedia salesmen going door to door, postcards, a time when people knew where their phone was and when you could put your church money in a jar.

I say: No. No. No deal.

He immediately turns and goes.

I return to my couch and dream of the here and now. Next time I busk in the city I will put my phone, if I can find it, in a hat. I will display a sign saying. Please enjoy the music but no cash. Please register on my phone and I will send you a link.