The Soloist2009

Nathaniel Ayers:
[going to sleep] Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Just keep it coming. There's plenty. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Steve Lopez:
[narrating] I knew only part of his story. I knew him playing the violin on a dairy crate in the morning sun, suspended somewhere between boy genius and lost traveler. Every night my friend Nathaniel tucks his instruments away and lays his head among the predators and hustlers, among the fallen drunks sprawled in the streets, as rats the size of meatloaves dart out of the drains to feed off the squalor.

Nathaniel Ayers:
Lead us not into temptation. For thine is kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Forever and ever.

Steve Lopez:
[narrating] I tell him this is no place for him. He says he wants to be here. He says this is his choice. Should I take him at his word, or should I try to force him inside? Wouldn't a little arm-twisting be more humane than leaving him here on the streets in this lost colony of broken, helpless souls?

Nathaniel Ayers:
I hope you sleep well, Mr. Lopez. I hope the whole world sleeps well.