I shouldn't really be knocking doors this late: the streetlights are on and the sunset gone

[struggle4progress]

But I've miscalculated how long the list would take: I'd guessed two minutes per door, and it's really closer to three and a half. So I'm out later than I expected, knowing I won't finish tonight and just trying to get as far along as I can

In the failing light, house numbers become difficult to read. It might not look like a great neighborhood, but everybody I've met has been friendly, a mix of the retired lower class, recent immigrants, students and not yet established young people. Doing two more addresses on this page will at least finish the street and leave only a quick handful on the next street for tomorrow

Under a lamp, I squint at my walk list to decipher the remaining names and places. Then I crisscross the road, trying to figure out the numbers

And this must be it. Sensing someone moving in the front room, beyond the old curtains, I climb the steps to the dark cluttered porch, knock, then descend again to the walkway below and start counting. I'm not sure how long to wait

Then a dim bulb suddenly illuminates the porch and the door opens. I identify myself and explain what I'm about. He steps from behind the screen to accept the offered literature, and I re-descend before offering my spiel

Yes, he'll vote. And yes, he'll vote for the folk I'm promoting.

There's another name on my list here, and considering the hour I wasn't sure whether or not I would ask. He's older, upright, alert, unhurried, careful, and unafraid. So I mention her

That's my grand-daughter, he tells me. She lives across town

I promise to take her name off the list so we don't look for her there again

It's OK, he says. I see her all the time. My great-grandchildren stay here a lot

I expect that keeps him busy

It's fine. I'm together

I ask him to remind her how important it is to vote. And then, in the dark, I thank him and prepare to move along

He walks to the edge of the porch and offers his hand. I climb the steps yet again to receive a warm firm shake

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Thank you, my dear struggle4progress...

You are out there, doing the necessary, hard work.

[struggle4progress]

3. It's fun. I learn something every time

[Agnosticsherbet]

2. beautifully written...

almost a prose poem

[struggle4progress]

4. I'm glad you enjoyed it. But there would be nothing to write were it not for the people I meet

and the brief glimpses I get are glimpses into the one real art, which is the art of living

[freshwest]

5. You have guts and stamina. Thanks s4p.

[struggle4progress]

7. There's nothing wrong with being cautious and alert. But almost everybody

I've ever met is a decent person. And fear is contagious: if you treat other people as if they don't frighten you, usually they won't be afraid either and so won't react from any primal instincts

[juajen]

6. Thank you.

[struggle4progress]

8. I'm always surprised how many people say that to me after I've knocked their doors:

my natural inclination has been to expect "FU!" or "Get off my porch!" -- but in fact a large number of people appreciate the knock

[MineralMan]

9. Nice. You do get to meet many people walking

a precinct. Most are friendly and happy to see you. Those who are not are few.

Thanks for doing this and for writing about it.