March 23, 2009 The boys in this photo live on Street #6 near my office. I see them rough-housing and tumbling in the street in the morning when I come to work. One day, I couldn't resist. I got out of the car and asked them if I might take their photograph. The tallest boy smiled willingly; his playmates were reticent. Soon three old men gathered on the sidelines to orchestrate the moment. It was not clear if the old men were related to the boys, but regardless of bloodlines, they wielded authority over the children as they clucked and hissed and snapped their fingers to get the boys to pose.
Some who have seen this photo have remarked on the sad expressions on the faces of the boys. That surprised me. I think the serious expressions were affected in deference to the formal nature of the portrait. Most mornings when I see these boys playing, they are smiling and laughing and hugging each other.
1 comment:
Well...it's either somber deference or stubborn annoyance at all the clucking and hissing!
Ok, kidding, but seriously...more photos please!
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