Thursday, August 09, 2007

Historical Photo and Haiku





I am nobody:

A red sinking autumn sun

Took my name away.
Haiku By: Richard Wright (Author of Native Son)




Photo Source: http://historymatters.gmu.ed/ Washington (southwest section), D.C. Two African American boys




25 comments:

MJW said...

The photo is sad and thought-provoking. It's the haiku, though, that gets me. I always suspected that Richard Wright was a poet; he's one of the most glorious artists of language I ever read.

Stephen A. Bess said...

MJW-
I agree with what you said about Wright. In the photo I am drawn to the man who is sitting and staring into the camera.

NML/Natalie said...

I too was drawn to the same guy but also to the one with his head down. Their body language is in complete contrast.

Crankyputz said...

its the stare that gets you.

Anonymous said...

Makes you wonder what is on their mind. Are they thinking similar thoughts, or not?!?!? Because like nml said, their bidy language is so different. In all 4 if them...

nosthegametoo said...

Howdy Stranger!!

I love black and white photography, reminds me of some things.

You've got a special set of eyes.

Peace and Love to you and yours.

Dance_Soul said...

Oo - thats nice. I love the pic, too.
Have a GREAT weekend. Kiss the Mrs. for me - are you making her sunday morning breakfast? Just a thought. :-D

Dance_Soul said...

Interesting - I was drawn to the two white posts that none of the men seem to stand between - as if it were some invisible line of demarcation apart from the colored only bathroom and waiting room. Hmm - I always look at the surrounds and then the people. Great find - Stephen.

Stephen A. Bess said...

NML-
Yes, they are all different. They are probably wondering why this guy even wants to take this picture. :)

Cranky-
Yes, silent protest.

Faith-
Yes, a story could be written just from looking at them. Let the imagination flow.

Game-
Hello! Good to see you. Yes, we have been strangers. Thanks for the comment. I was quite taken by the photo when I saw it.

Dance-
You're quite observant. Interesting. The photo says so much. I will kiss the Mrs and I always fix her breakfast on the weekends. ;) It's good that you keep a brother on his feet though. Bless you.

Geoffrey Philp said...

Another great post, Stephen! And with one of my favorite poets.

Have a great weekend.

Peace,
Geoffrey

Stephen A. Bess said...

Thanks Geoffrey. Peace~ :)

Analía said...

Oh boy! I've been absent fo so long now that I had almost forgotten how handosome you are!! Nice pic on your profile my friend :)I really hope everything is ok with you and you family. Wow I have a lot to read if I want to catch up with all your post. Blessings from your Uruguayan friend.
xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

That's an intense picture and sadly, timeless. Just as relevant today, the plight of our people.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Analia-
Hello! Long time no see. You're so sweet. I thank you for the compliment. I'll have to stop in and visit your page too. Take care and many many blessings to you and yours. xoxoxo back atcha Peace~ :)

Hey Max! Good to see you brother. Thanks for the comment. Yes, I need a comtemporary photo to go with this as well. Peace

Crankyputz said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY>>> DID I GET the day right??

Dance_Soul said...

One year older!! It was the 10th right? Do anything special?

Stephen A. Bess said...

Cranky-
Yes, thank you. Today is my birthday. :)

Dance-
My wife put something together this past Saturday. There was cake, food, laughter and celebration. :)
Today, I'm just chillin'.

Rose said...

NIce photo. I am apreciating balck and whie photos more. Intense stare.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Hi Stephen, I've been catching up...great to see your list of thinking bloggers.

This photo makes me think of one of my favourite books. Their eyes were watching God. What lush, delicious writing.

Y'know, I can never figure out the haiku verse, I think it must have a certain number of words or something like that. I was reading some old, really reeeeeeally old verses from Arabia [translated into English], and they liked short lines back then too. I can't tell the difference between them and haiku.

BronzeBuckaroo said...

Perfect match of picture and words. Very perfect match!

Unknown said...

There is something that is just so mesmerizing about this photo. The Haiku is perfect.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Bronze-
Thank you. I need to pay you a visit.

Samara-
I felt it too. I was more interested because the photo was taken in DC and I thought it a perfect fit for the haiku. Welcome.

Stephen A. Bess said...

Rose-
Thanks. The previous photo collapsed, but I hope this one is just as compelling.

GG-
Zora is one of my favorite writers and people. I love that book. I taught it to a class once and I really enjoyed reading it with the class.
Yes, the Haiku has a certain formula (5-7-5). It is all about the syllables. :) Well, It's always a pleasure. Peace~

Lyrically speaking said...

The picture is priceless, the words are profound, thanks for this one

Stephen A. Bess said...

Cathy-
Thanks. I had to represent old DC in this one.

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