A CHARACTER SKETCH INSPIRED BY THIS PHOTOGRAPH

I took this photo the other day in a small machine shop

CLEAN HANDS

Calvin’s pants are grease stained, cinched high on his waist with a black leather belt that is cracking and stretched like his budget. His red plaid shirt is tucked in and his sleeves are rolled up to prevent them from getting caught in moving parts of machines he uses in his shop.

A Sears and Roebucks pencil is stuck behind Calvin’s ear; whenever a customer asks him a question Calvin taps it in the palm of his hand. The eraser thumping his skin helps him to focus and listen, it helps him to think and give precise answers.

Calvin’ turns on the lights in his shop at the start of each day, then reads over a list of jobs he had prioritized at the end of the previous day. Calvin's list is varied, but he claims he can fix almost anything if it is made out of steel.

Calvin works patiently, it is something he learned in public school, along with the realization that those who have money and position have easier roads to success and are given special favors.

Calvin works hard and treats people with respect. He is honest and fair, looks all his customers straight in the eye, even those who show up in fancy business suits and complain about prices. For them Calvin patiently explains overhead and calculations for labor. He tells them, “Good Day,” as they leave, then wipes his hands on his pants.