Tom Kelly By Ana Paulina
12, 2009
When I dropped in to check on the outcome status of the Homeless for the Holidays event, I noticed this elderly gentleman huddled over a metal drum of open flames, who just happen to trigger an earlier reflex memory in previous months, where I found him sprawled out on a flower bed over by a traffic Rotary.
Mr. Tom Kelly, holding a cup of water.
Q: What’s your name?
A: "Tom Kelly"
Q: Where are you from Mr. Kelly?
A: "The mid-Atlantic."
Q:The Mid-Atlantic?
A: “Yes, and New York, hitched my way here ( Cape Cod ) and this is where they knocked me off ( Bourne ) I love being near the water, have been watching the ships roll by for the last twenty years.”
Q: Do you have any family?
A: “I don’t know.”
Tom, it’s cold out.
A: “I know, I don’t have my winter gear on yet.”
Q: Have you sought out help?
A: “I like the nip bottles, I can’t give it up.” I try but it’s hard.”
Mr. Tom Kelly, has been living on the streets of Bourne for the last twenty years.
Our conversation was soon interrupted by the arrival of some noodles and chicken followed by the offering of a safe and warm place to spend the night by property owner Mr. Fred Carbone of the Bay Motor Inn, located in the Business District of Bourne. . Feeling comfortable with the idea, I soon left Mr. Tom Kelly to enjoy his meal in peace for the night.
