May I share with you my recent experience with this young man that I got to meet last Saturday, with hopes to portray it in the most sincere and humble manner possible, as this recent experience with him had made a forever impact on me.
Using the crosswalk, I approached this young man, at the island where he was standing. At first he said no when I asked to take a picture of him. Of course to no surprise. If I were in his place I would most likely have rejected likewise. Giving up I walked over to the edge of the island, waiting for the crossing signal to turn green to direct me to "return home." About 30 seconds of standing there though, something unexpected happened. He called over to me from where he was standing, which was about 5-10 feet away.
Him: "What's it (the photo) for?"
Me: "It's a personal thing.
Me: "My goal is to display the realities of life, both good and bad."
Him: "Is this a good or bad thing?"
Me: "It's up to you to decide"
Him: "...Ok."
Him: "You can take one picture."
I felt the hesitance, the fear, the unsurety, but the glimmer of maybes as he gave me one shot. I took the best shot I could & showed it to him for approval. He gave me the OK.
This photo is unedited. I think it's perfect just as it is. As he stood there while I was taking the photo, I felt as if he shared a piece of his soul with me. He let me be a part of that experience.
Thoughts ran through my head while heading back.
I had forgotten to bring a jacket. It was a cold night.
How long was he out there? Him on that street, his friend on the other.
How old was he? The more appropriate question maybe ought to have been, how young was he?
What did it feel like to decide to stand on the edge of the road and do what you "see homeless people do?" How did it feel to ask for the first time for a piece of cardboard, for a pen to write your message that you know would need to be short but hopefully powerful enough for someone to reach out to you? How did it feel like to finally pick a spot to stand to raise the cardboard along with your message & wait?
I went home crying, and cried some more at my home. My home.
