storytelling.

some leftovers from earlier this year.

people will forever be the subjects i love most to photograph, paint, or just stare at.

it's overwhelming knowing that the untold emotions contained within me, as a single person, are shared with billions of other people living all around me.sometimes it's easy to feel alone in my thoughts & become entirely consumed by my personal narrative. especially when experiencing grief or heartache or disappointment or regret.

but it's comforting to remember i live in a world of billions

& although all of our experiences vary

the human condition applies to all of us.

i love the words of plato:

be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

and i guess that's why i love photos & paintings & people watching;

because a story is contained in every picture.

it might be less fulfilling than reality television, where no gruesome detail is spared,

but for the few minutes i look back at the person captured in front of the camera, i leave myself & imagine the battle at hand--

of existing & being such a small part of this big big world,

& trying to find our proper places.

streets of fishermen.

so long lakshmyya.

i understand
the necessity of a T.V.
when money swims low
and your kids can barely eat.

i get
getting away
as a means to survive.

but i wish you'd asked me for something
more easily justified,
or maybe only less conspicuous--

like a meal
or new shoes
or a check.

and i regret
showing up a liar,
empty-handed,
T.V.-less.

so goodbye lakshmyya;
blame me for your losses,
for your unfulfilled requests.
curse me for not packing your 7 grandkids
in my carry-on bag

and remember me begrudgingly
when you're missing the static hum
of a television set.

moneymakers.

la playa.