The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry

"Park benches are the silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of human existence." - Anonymous

I meant to review "The Cop and the Anthem" last weekend during my O. Henry marathon/binge-fest but never got around to it. Better late than never. Surprisingly, as far as I can recall, this is the first story of his that I've come across that doesn't completely rely on the twist ending. Sure, it enhances the dramatic irony of the protagonist's fate and brings the narrative full circle in terms of thematic resonance but it would still be a solid story on its own. Human suffering, social inequality, and the potential for redemption are key themes that are intertwined in typical O. Henry fashion.

Soapy, a destitute soul, faces the looming threat of freezing to death on the harsh streets of New York City as winter approaches. Determined to find shelter, his desperate plan hinges on committing a petty crime or misdemeanor to secure a warm bed in prison on the notorious "island," likely Rikers. However, fate intervenes, thwarting his every attempt, which produces a darkly humorous thread throughout the narrative. The reader is intended to empathize deeply with Soapy, especially as the narrative crescendos with his poignant resolution to earnestly strive for an escape from poverty. The story's cynical twist ending feels both inevitable and sorrowful, serving as a stark commentary on the realities of life for those living on the margins of society.

Also, I learned a new word: eleemosynary. It means relating to or being dependent on charity; charitable. Cool.

You can read this story HERE.