Flute Player

In the pedestrian tunnel at the junction of Lion Rock Road and Prince Edward Road, I met him again.  I met him for the first time at exactly the same spot 7 months ago.  He was playing the same flute then.  I was touched by the smooth but slightly haunting sound, the sound of a man who worked to master the instrument but had struggled in life.  I had passed through the tunnel since then, each time disappointed when I didn’t see him there.  

This time I was not expecting him.  Then he surprised me by showing up.  I wanted to listen to him more.  But when I gave him some money, he thanked me so profusely I was embarrassed.  …  No, it was not really embarrassment.  I was profoundly sad that such a talented man should be beaten so badly by life.  I was angry at something, but I was not sure what it was.  Yes, I am embarrassed that simply because I had a little bit of money, which he didn’t have, I was put in a seemingly superior position. Life is so not fair.  I should be thanking him for the beautiful music.