May 28, 2009

Here's a description of Bryan, my other roommate:

Bryan is an African American dude, age 29. He works for Trader Joes, in Old Town. Maybe if you shop there, you'd recognize him. He dyes his hair with bright colors, including pink, red, orange. Or sometimes with jet black.

Bryan grew up in South Carolina, south of Charlotte. His parents lived somewhere else. They didn't treat Bryan kindly and showed favoritism to his brother and sister. He was raised by his grandma and went to a high school with both wealthy white kids and impoverished black kids. And a mix of others. Like anyone, this upbringing had an impact on how he interacts with people.

Once, Bryan was in a fire and his back was badly burnt. He was also in a dramatic and dangerous car crash with his mom and syblings. His brother is now in prison for murder. These circumstances have also had an impact on how he interacts with people.

Bryan lives in the smallest room in our house, excepting the bathroom and perhaps the laundry room. His room smells. He smells. His feet smell the worst. He is a dirty person, generally speaking.

Bryan doesn't leave his room often, other than to go to work. Or to go outside for a smoke. Most of his free time is spent watching videos online. He professes to have an interest in physics and computer programming. He's as much of a poet as any of us, and sometimes draws illustrations or borders around his work. William Blake did the same.

Bryan's best friend is Crystal. She comes over now and again. He also has a friend named Steffers. Crystal and Bryan own a rat and call themselves its parents. It only stayed one night in our house.

Bryan very much enjoys pirate memorabilia. I've noticed him wearing an eye patch some days. Back on January 1st, I found him stumbling around drunk with oars in his hand. He has some pirate t-shirts too. Those are black. In fact, most of his clothes are. Except a few things, like his leopard skin jacket.

Bottom line, Bryan is a good person. Most would call him bizarre, a recluse, a misfit, an outcast, a gothic (he calls himself such), or other things. I think you have to meet him before you pass judgement.