Every morning we walk down our block to Columbus Avenue for our cup of JOE, passing a supermarket on the corner.  Many mornings the sprawl of detritus left behind by the commercial garbage collecting leaves an unappetizing feast for the pigeons.  But, some mornings, the remains look far less like garbage than the makings of a meal.  Bruised fruits, slightly wilted vegetables, day-old breads – all could combine to make a nutritious dinner for a family.  On these mornings, it is particularly difficult to make our way past as we are immediately reminded of all of the people throughout the world (and in our city) who go to bed hungry and then face each new day with little prospect of much to eat.

It is even more unnerving as a homeless man has lived on this corner for the past few years and, although he seems to be well-fed by anyone’s standards, his choice leaves me pondering the inequities of life.  Steve has continued to document the waste – of human life as well as the nourishment that both food and humanity offer.  I find myself being deeply grateful for the fullness of my life.  And, I remember how important it is to waste not.