âHey man, take my picture!â
âI canât do it. Itâs too dark.â
âYeah, we need some light. Letâs go over there.â
âHow long have you been homeless?â
â15 years. Iâve been in Boston 8 months. Before that I was in Washington, Virginia, New York, Philadelphia, Louisiana, FloridaâŚâ
âWhy didnât you stay in Florida? Itâs so much warmer.â
âI wanted to see my family. But they donât want to see me. They donât understand depression. They treat me like dirt. Homeless people treat me better than my family.â
âAnd what happened 15 years ago? How did you end up on the streets?â
âI tried to burn myself twice. I had 30 surgeries. I was dead two times, but God brought me back. I donât know why.â
âAnd why did you do it?â
âI was depressed. Why you crying?â
âBecause you are a beautiful person, and my family is really messed up, and Iâve been very depressed. I think I can understand you.â
âYes, I am a good person. And when you take peopleâs pictures, donât disrespect them.â
âNo, man, I wonât. I like people. Thatâs why I take their pictures.â
âAnd when you make your portfolio, donât denigrate people. Let the pictures speak for themselves.â
âI will. Are you safe on the streets?â
âYes, I amâŚAnd now I have $8 to buy me some food.â
âThatâs all I have. Next time I see you, I will give you more.â
âNo, man. It ainât all about money. Give me a hug. And next time you see me, give me a hug again. And thanks for taking my picture.â