I noticed him staggering on the sidewalk in the summer heat. His sneakers were untied and he wore no shirt. I could easily count each of his ribs through his thin skin. He is tall, so tall that he towered over most people he passed. I followed him to the safe place he had made with his blankets in the portico of a vacant building. He smiled when I asked his name. David, he said. I gave him a bottle of water and sat down with him. He smelled of sweat, beer, and urine. We talked a while as I took several pictures. After a few minutes, tears appeared in his eyes as he said, “I appreciate that you see me…who I am, not how I look now. Thanks, man.”
His mouth opened as if he were going to say something else, but he didn’t. He just gazed right into my eyes as if he were searching for something, perhaps an answer, I don’t know. He wept and I put my hand on his shoulder.
Of course, David, but no need to thank me for that. Where do you go from here?
He stared right through me and said nothing. There was no hope in his eyes and I felt a deep sense of hollowness.
Editor’s Note: Enjoy more extraordinary images and stories on Renato’s Website
Amazing story. Very powerful story. Who we are is something people rarely take time to know. I use to ride a Harley and what people thought of me was not who I was. As my friend Johnny said I will read your book. Thank you for such a great story.
Great job. I’d love to read your book and I have a similar story on the sight that I think you would appreciate called AUSTIN ANGEL. Check it out. Johnny
Thank you. All proceeds from the book sakes go to Blankets Tampa Bay.