Are they happier?

Wandering along the streets, carrying sacks, dark and greasy appearance, long and 

sticky hair, unrecognizable color of clothes and so on. These are some of the descriptions 

that you would hear every time you ask someone about a “taong grasa.” I don’t know if the Americans have already created a word for “taong grasa.” Although most people are using the word “grease man” (the exact translation of the word). So how would I call them? Can I use the word “beggar or panhandler”? Could be but I think not. Rarely have I seen a taong grasa begging for money. They usually walk tirelessly, picking trash, picking left over food for their empty stomach. I’m not sure if I can use the words loony, crazy or the politically correct word mentally challenged. Probably yes, because no one can converse to most of them. Who knows, perhaps they can actually say sensible things but none or only a few of us have tried. I myself have never tried to talk to a “taong grasa.” I guess almost all of us don’t have the courage to go near or to even talk to them.

I don’t know but I’m mystified every time I see one strolling. Many questions keep popping inside my head as I observe him (I don't know how to address them so I will just use "he"). Why and how did he become like that? How does he survive? Where are his relatives? What are the things going through his mind? How does he feel at that very moment? I have no idea, where and how will I get the answers to my questions. The only thing I’m sure of is only few souls care about these people. Some don’t even dare to look at them. Some would even take their highest leap just to stay away. The men in position care least. I wonder if they are even included in their programs or reforms. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have never heard of a politician who spent his/her money or time for them. 

I am fully aware that I am not in the position to say things about you and other people because I am also guilty.

Let us accept it, that this is a growing social problem. And the question, will there ever be a solution to this social problem? Will there ever be a cure to their sickness? Or perhaps they are just there waiting for someone to knock and enter into their own world. Or they just need someone to pay them some special attention.

For now, I’ll just be contented in writing this article about the “taong grasa.” This is my own way of saying to a taong grasa “I feel you”.