An Ode To The Street Urchin

Friend,

This article is about homeless kids.  I'm going to ask you to click some ads at the end.  I get a buck every time you do.  Those bucks will got The Children's Center For Hope And Healing.  So, it doesn't cost you a dime.  I will update you as the campaign continues.  So, here's that article.

I have no idea where I first read the phrase 'street urchin' but it captured my attention.  Street urchin is an English origin phrase for 'homeless child.'  I know it's such a sad concept.  But the dark ally has always kinda had some enigmatic romance to me.  The children that come from it have always stolen my heart no matter what corner of the world they inhabit.   Look at this guy on the right.  What a compelling photo!  Is he 8 or 80?  He's small like 8, but his eyes confess a wisdom and disappointment far older than his age.  His stare and tattered clothing help us imagine a story that is far broader than most American experience.  The oddest thing about this photo to me is that this fellow is from Vienna.  When we think Vienna, we think of the Viennician in Vegas, or the Medici Banking Family, or Machiavelli.  Not this little guy.  I always look at this photo and imagine that he ended up as a scrap metal tycoon who bought a opera house trying to weasel his way into high society.  Or that he grew up to be the most interesting man in the world.  Perhaps he is like Manny Pacquiao, who used to steal cigarettes and then sell them on the street when he was a child.  Anyway, this odd combination of homelessness and childhood has seduced my lasting attention.  So, I will tip my hat to the most interesting street urchins in the world.

1.  Gavroche

Gaveroche is a side character in the book Les Miserables.  This guy pops up every where.  He is said to be inspired by 'Liberty Leading The People' In Les Mis, his death is the final nail in the coffin for the French Aristocracy, and I love watching the fall of Aristocracy.  Some how he acquires an English accent in a french film, but here he is in his latest appearance.    In the book, he lives in an elephant.  One of those statue ones, not a real one.  He had to sleep in a little cage, so the rats wouldn't nibble at him.  Anyway, He's way tougher than me.  And who doesn't love a child who is credited with bringing freedom to an entire country.  Vive La Freedom?  No, Vive La Gavroche!

2.  Jack Dawkins -  AKA The Artful Dodger

Listen, anyone who is described by Wikipedia as "the leader of the gang of child criminals, trained by the elderly Fagin" is worth your attention.  And who doesn't want to slap that on their resume or tombstone?  I'm in. 

So, here's the splinter in my mind with this little guy.  What would you do if you caught a 8 year old making off with your wallet?  I'd be like 'go ahead, you can have it.'  In my estimation, he earned it with guts and being able to out run me which isn't very difficult.

3. Éponine Thénardier

Sorry folks.  We have another Les Mis Character here.  But she makes the list for 3 reasons.

1.  SWOON!

2.  She's a girl.  I mean being a girl is kinda tough because men are such pigs and all.  And I know cause 'oink, oink.'  But add a layer of homeless childhood on top.  Ouch.  Poor gal.  Her parents were...unfortunate choices.  But I love her.  And that means she makes the list.  Don't argue with me.

3.  Did I mention I have a crush on her?

 4.  Manny Pacquiao

According to Wikipedia Manny is " is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is the first and only eight-division world champion"  I'm pretty sure that makes The Pac Man the new chuck norris(capitalization omitted on purpose).  Sure, I have a total man crush on the guy just cause'a that.  Seriously, he's really good at boxing.  If he were a heavy weight we'd all know his name.  For those who really know boxing, he's one of the best boxers of all time.  But few people know that Manny became homeless at 14.  Wow.  But now look at him.  He's a boxer, congressman, honorary doctor, and singer.  Yes, he's a little different, but the Filipino people love him.  And I can't wait to see him murder Floyd Mayweather.

5.  Will Hunting

 Fictional yet compelling.  The thing I like about this guy is his aptitude for calculus and punching cops.  Who doesn't want to punch a cop?  I got to punch a cop once at a boxing gym where it's legal and all.  And I tell you it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Speeding ticket?  No.  Bam!  I win....   But that's not really how it works.

Oh, let's not forget this guy drove from Boston to Stanford California to follow a girl.  What a romantic!  Here he is getting his serve on at a local ba...not bar.

Ok, here's the obligatory call to action.  Listen, this may have offended you.  I'm not really sorry.  I love homeless kids and so should you.  So, don't complain to me about how you didn't like my article.  Instead, why don't you man up a give 2 bucks to Children's Center For Hope And Healing via paypal or something.  Tell you what, I'll make it easy for you.  Below and to the right of this post is an ad.  Every time you click one of my ads I get a buck or so.  You click two of the adds, all the proceeds go to CCHH.  Doesn't cost you a dime.  Don't tell me you can't click an ad to help a kid.  Oh, don't buy anything either.  We're going to get corporate America to foot the bill for this one.  Next, please know that I am not associated with them in any way.  I just found their organization one day.  They provide free counseling to abused children.  And I haven't found a more deserving charity.


Love,
The Misfit Monk