Free to leave

He had no where to go — and could find no place to stay.

Despite his history at the shelter, this particular homeless man struggled for a higher rank in the pack. He was tired of coming in last. Whenever he checked in, the water ran cold and every bed was spoken for.

After spending a night trying to sleep in a chair, he felt it was time take a stand. He woke up cranky and decided today definitely called for a shower. But the departure-time struck, and his fellows started filing out.

He refused, insisting he be allowed to stay and get cleaned up.

A staffer politely asked him to depart. This only provoked screams and threats. Like a dissatisfied customer, the homeless man insisted on speaking to management.

The facility's director arrived on the scene and told the same story — and it came with the same results.

The threats became too heated, and eventually the police were called.

The man's lawyer now requests that at the very least the judge order him to a different shelter.

The judge responds: "I don't think I have that power, but I do believe they may not want you back."

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