Summer Street Sweeper

This was last summer. 

Seeing someone sweep the street in the middle of the burning sun is depressing. It seems a cruel fate to sweep the streets under the scorching summer heat. Then when you think about the repetitive nature of his job, it makes you think of Sisyphus and his rock. When you also consider the fact that he's cleaning up other people's mess, it makes it all the more depressing. You would get an idea that what he's doing is an endless task; add to that that it's a thankless one as well. It makes one really blue. 

As if that's not enough, consider also the pay that he's receiving for such a job. It would be great of he's even receiving minimum wage for his efforts. Somehow, the amount of work that he's doing isn't enough for the amount of effort that he's putting in. That's the depressing thing about it. You think there should be social justice. But that won't happen in a third world country. You just have to sigh at that fact. But sighing won't get us anywhere. 

You also need to consider that the man might not be even unhappy with his situation. What I'm doing is just making assumptions from what I'm seeing from the outside. There are several things to look at. Perhaps the man is simple enough to be happy and that he has a job. Perhaps he's happy just being able to bring money home food to the table. Perhaps he doesn't wish for much; he can be at peace with the idea that he has something for a living. 

Perhaps he has a loving family at home. Perhaps he has children who are proud of their father for being hardworking. Perhaps they don't mind their simple lot. Perhaps they too are thankful that their father has a job. Perhaps they can feel the pride of their father and feel proud about themselves, too. They might be poor, but they live an honest life. Perhaps the children would learn about hard work, sacrifice, and caring for the ones they love. Perhaps they would be inspired and actualize their father's dream of a better future for them. Perhaps they would give a bit of meaning to the endless sweeping of their father. Perhaps it would make the sweeping an act of significance. A means to a good end. 

But there could also be a negative image to this. Perhaps the sweeper isn't as hard working as he's supposed to be. Perhaps he was lazy during his youth: did not persevere in studying, did not maximize his skills and opportunities, did not live his life to the fullest. It would be romantic to say that he was forced to such a humble position by cruel fate, but that would make a mockery of the human will and spirit. You have to consider that most of the things in our life did not end up like that without our will. It's not like we are totally powerless to change our fate. 

It does make for a sight of pathos, that street sweeper. But then you have to temper that emotion with some facts and reason. One cannot feel entirely sorry for the guy, nor can you say that he absolutely deserves his position. 

What I can say for certain is that seeing him sweep the streets under the scalding summer sun makes me depressed. I thought that there must be a better life than that.