A STRANGER

There’s a new face in town (they’re noticeable instantly during the off season). Strangers this time of year run about one or two a week. Those that appear and disappear within a day or two are usually professionals looking for business, insurance salesmen or accountants. Those who don’t leave right away are suspect. It’s not summer. It’s cold and raw. There are no redeeming features we are willing to credit to folks from away with appreciating. So why is this little round guy here? He’s very busy looking, sort of bustling, and he has a big and ready smile which he seems to dispatch to everyone and anyone at the drop of a hat. He makes eye contact. I encounter him all over the place and as I drive by, I give my customary, compulsory actual-ly, acknowledgment, the one folks have come to associate with me, wherein I raise the three middle digits on my right hand which is resting on top of the steering wheel. He waves back. Waving is a domestic and particular behavior out here on the islands and it de-notes signifies a certain residency. He’s only been her a few days. I’m not sure he’s allowed do that yet. He walks with a purpose. It seems like anyone who walks with such purpose shouldn’t be shaped quite the way he is. His eyes twinkle. He might be Santa out of costume. I’ll stay out of his way for a while so I can ponder his circumstances with the requisite suspicion. It’s difficult, though, to conjure up a negative image of him. Still, any-one with that ready a smile and such an engaging persona certainly should be regarded warily.