6 p.m. yesterday, mostly full 6 train heading up to GCT. A beggar enters the car between 28th and 33rd. “Excuse me…” the spiel begins in a vaguely Hispanic accent.
The man makes his way through the crowded car, carrying two full tabloid news pages laminated on cardboard. They’re the story of a man horrifically burned by acid.
He, in fact, is that man.
He’s got brown skin and his face looks like an avalanche in motion–forehead, cheeks and chin in a mad rush to tumble off the poor guy’s skull. A pair of eyeglasses desperately cling to what’s left of his nose. It may be the most disturbing sight you ever see on the subway.
And boy, did people reach for their wallets, shoveling not just a single bill but handfuls of them–a windfall unlike anything I’ve ever seen a subway beggar command before. This guy wasn’t collecting nickels and dimes.
All the while, the poor fellow mumbled “God bless you,” riders passing along cash and struggling hard to avert their eyes.
i came across your blog cause i just saw the acid man tonight on the 6 train. i was so sad
i hope some talented plastic surgeon sees him and helps him.
Seen him on the 4/5 some months ago too. I defy anyone to NOT feel a need to donate.
me and my family were on the subway today and he came in. only a few people gave him money. i felt bad but why does he have to beg for money. why can’t he get a job? i know a man like htat who is the same way and he is an engineer. i wanna know how he got like that…
we were in the city for thanksgiving (from midwest) and saw this man..so sad…does anyone know the whole story? surely someone has asked/interviewed…I would love to know…
I ran into this man a few years ago, though i don’t recall which train. I wanted to give money, but i remember being almost paralyzed by what I saw. Very sad. To this day, I don’t know the story behind what happened to him, so if someone knows, please post.