Tuesday, November 18, 2008

We all have our favorites. This is mine. It is the forbidden fruit. I can't sell it because I never obtained a photo release. It is that one shiny red apple hanging just out of reach that I will never be able to grasp.

Taken in 1969 at a war protest, I watched the interplay of the father and child as they wound themselves through the crowd to get closer to the speaker. As a black panther spoke to the gathered hoard, the father hoisted the child onto his shoulders as if to say "Remember this, you are watching history unfold". The protest over, the crowd dispersed, we all were left with our own thoughts. As I stood there trying to sort through what was my opinion and what was only the remnants of the rage replayed that afternoon, I caught the eye of the child as they left. We connected. I am guessing he is now around 45 years old. Where is he, how did his life play out? I will go to the grave wondering.

9 comments:

The Wind & Rain Creations said...

This is an astounding capsule. I love the father's eyes.

C. Beth said...

I LOVE this photo. Thanks for sharing.

Beth (The One-Minute Writer)

SSQuo said...

The picture itself is blurry, yet you cannot mistake the perfect attention you caught in the little boy's eyes.

Tres tres nice picture!

Dan Felstead said...

Merci Beaucoup!.Les yeux sont tres importante! Dittos on Regina Spektor. It all in the eyes.

Cynthia L. H. said...

Absolutely stunning.
I am transfixed.
Completely blown away. Wow.
Wow. Oh, did I say that already?
:^)
Thank you,
C

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia,
Thanks for commenting on my favorite picture! I have often wondered if folks go back and visit the older posts. That was a day at Purdue I will always remember. It would be great if this child (now adult) would somehow see the photo and respond...what a treat that would be.

Dan

Cynthia L. H. said...

Dan,
I saw the link under a new post and I was instantly drawn to it...let's cross our fingers or send out vibes or think positive thoughts or something...that he will find the photo and you....
:^)
C

Wildspirit said...

Dan,

This shot is also my favorite. So innocent to be caught up in protest--but a new conscience is born out of the experience.

Dan Felstead said...

Wildspirit...
First of all, I really enjoy your photos on PPP. Thanks for visiting the blog. This photo...(I am sure you have had the same experience)was not so much the image but the circumstances and times it was taken in. I will never forget it.

Dan