Profile of Life
April 2007 · Portrait
Every time I passed by, I saw this old man. He was like a statue, sitting quietly in front of the house, looking into the distance. His ghostly gaze seemed to be searching for traces of past years. What was on his mind?
Surrounded by a coconut grove, the light in the morning was wonderful. Together with the old man's old house, this was definitely a good subject.
I would have photographed him every time I passed by, but I had no time to stop.
Finally, one day, I came to him. I explained my intention. I thought he would refuse, but he gladly agreed. The old man told me that many passers-by often stopped to photograph him, and he graciously agreed.
While photographing, I chatted with him. It turned out that the old man had several children, all of whom were successful, he said, with a proud look on his face.
"Didn't they come back to see you?" I asked offhandedly.
The old man suddenly quieted down. He slowly turned his head to look at me and said, "They are all very busy and come back to see me less often. The last time was two years ago." He spoke as if nothing had happened, but his tone could not conceal his sadness.
I was saddened and could not continue shooting anymore. After comforting him for a while, I bid farewell to him and promised to come back to see him.
“They are all very busy and come back to see me less often. The last time was two years ago.”
He smiled and said yes. A passer-by's visit also seemed to be an opportunity for the old man to pass the time.
I turned around, feeling rather sad.
Soon after, when I passed by again, I found that the house and coconut grove had been razed to the ground. It seemed that the old man had moved. I hope he was brought to his children and that they would take good care of him.
Have you ever encountered an elder like this?
Ulu Bendul · Negeri Sembilan
Sigma SD9 · ƒ/4 · 1/60s · ISO 100 · 60mm
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