Crying shoeless tramp scamp
Not sure if this one has been posted yet or not, I would read all the stories and check, but then I would have already finished my lunch break.....although I am enjoying the subtle compassion vs. loathing for the great unwashed battle taking place. My Mum is a great soft touch and we have taken in many a waif and stray over the years, so I do have a couple of stories to add to the pot this week.

The first tramp in question is not one who my Mum invited to stay with us, and is probably not a tramp at all. In fact, the guy is probably doing very well for himself. Or not...

This "tramp" would sit on the pedestrian precinct in Manchester's city centre, overtly shoeless, sobbing his heart out. The bloke had a proper theatrical gift (or perhaps some serious inner angst to draw on)and the first time people saw him, they would quite often instinctively go and ask him if he was ok, and perhaps give him some money (from memory, he wasn't actually asking).

The novelty did wear off though, and rightly or wrongly most regular passers by decided this sobbing routine was a con. Confirmation that this was the right decision came when a group of (female) friends of mine saw the said shoeless wonder in a swanky wine bar in Deansgate enjoying a mojito. I believe the phrase "Oh, you've found your fucking shoes then" was used to full and embarrassing effect.
(impossibly witty twat No, YOUR Mum etc etc, Wed 8 Jul 2009, 11:54, 2 replies)

Good story. Many a beggar arouses suspicion.
Isn't it Homeless = compassion, Drunk = loathing?
Roughly.
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Wed 8 Jul 2009, 12:07, closed)

crying
certainly tugs my heart strings. Met one down in london young lass, cold night, no shoes but otherwise well dressed(?) crying rivers. By God! Don't know how i managed to give her nothing but we were on our way to a party. Stayed with me though.
(Discreditor wants the dream to come true, Wed 8 Jul 2009, 18:32, closed)