SUPERMAN.

The Hollywood' sign loomed large across the street cradled amidst the dull grey brown mountains. We were ambling on the 'Walk Of Fame' a side walk laden with metal stars,each one commemorating the larger than life contributors to the American Film Industry.

I saw him in a corner, puffing a cigarette, beaming a smile beckoning me to take a photograph with him for a paltry sum of a dollar. His eyes pleaded.

Many people dressed as superheroes of Hollywood roamed around this side walk hunting for tourists to partake a dollar for a photo with them. There was Batman, Spiderman, Jack Sparrow and Darth Vader to name a few. They looked remarkably similar to the original heroes.

Superman, after finishing his cigarette came up to me to grab his share of a dollar for a photo with him.He had worn goggles to hide his red eyes, the cape was frayed at the edges and the costume looked weather beaten.The tight costume obviously made him itchy and dis comfortable but he still smiled at me.

I asked him about this strange job and he poured me his story, He had come long time back to Hollywood to work as an extra in the films. With luck, he even managed a role in a crowd in a movie scene. He made a cardinal mistake of looking at the camera and was promptly kicked out of the set.An official membership in the extra actors' association was beyond his reach and he chased his dreams on the sidewalk.

He used to work as a receptionist in a seedy motel where the frequent brawls never let him sleep peacefully in the night.

He earned a paltry sum hence was forced to work on the sidewalk in the day time. Hunger and Thirst drive a man everywhere. Also, the Superman costume gave him an aura of invincibility to help him cope with his daily struggle in life.

I offered him a 10 dollar note out of compassion.

He bluntly refused and just asked for his rightful share of a dollar.

His dignity and pride were still intact. I was deeply touched.

A 'superman' like effort is required to refuse help despite being in need.

The man in the red and blue robe was made of flesh and bones

His steely resolve was indeed, Kryptonian.

He was fighting each and every day like a true Superman.

As I walked across, I came across the star sign of Christopher Reeve. He had spent his last few years in a quadriplegic state, confined to a wheel chair and a breathing apparatus. He had really made the superhero popular in the movies.

I paused for a moment, laid a small flower on his sign.

I wiped my tears, and walked on.