Being Awake

The world is not just, but there is beauty everywhere.

When I asked Sugar why he always wears sunglasses, he replied, ‘so people don’t see how fucked up I am.’  He lives on my block, but you can find him at any given time at the barber shop next door or hollering outside, manning the street in front of our apartment. In summer it sounded like he inhabited my living room.  He knows everyone, and only speaks in sugar-coated shouts.  Sometimes I mistake him for arguing with the people he converses with, then, upon looking out the window I find them inches from each others faces in an intimate discourse of brotherhood. No real qualm, just passion, just life on the block.  He has taken to me and declares it in little quips you might find on the classic valentine’s heart candy, ‘love you girl.’ ‘Love you Sugar.’ Bed Stuy, New York. January, 2012 by Rebecca Thom

When I asked Sugar why he always wears sunglasses, he replied, ‘so people don’t see how fucked up I am.’  He lives on my block, but you can find him at any given time at the barber shop next door or hollering outside, manning the street in front of our apartment. In summer it sounded like he inhabited my living room.  He knows everyone, and only speaks in sugar-coated shouts.  Sometimes I mistake him for arguing with the people he converses with, then, upon looking out the window I find them inches from each others faces in an intimate discourse of brotherhood. No real qualm, just passion, just life on the block.  He has taken to me and declares it in little quips you might find on the classic valentine’s heart candy, ‘love you girl.’

‘Love you Sugar.’ Bed Stuy, New York. January, 2012 by Rebecca Thom

4 months ago 93 notes
Tagged with:  #portraits  #Black and White  #brooklyn  #people  #neighbor
  1. beingawake posted this