PUSHING MY BAG OF BOTTLES

PUSHING MY BAG OF BOTTLES, originally uploaded by joewig.

Almost a year ago I shot this gentleman while he was in line to collect some cash for his trash (bottles and can--my how time flies) and looking at it again is still heart wrenching. Not that I look to take shots like this--I don't--but this is the reality of living in NYC--for some people, this is a way of life and my street photography would be remiss if I deleted scenes like this. They are part of the reality around us, has been and will probably continue to be for some time considering no one really cares enough to make a difference for people like him.

His eyes are empty because he's been living on automatic pilot. This is the way he is living his life and he hasn't found another way to survive. I won't make conjectures on his lifestyle or what preceded him doing this, but where he is isn't a good place to be. Pushing his bag of bottles to get loose change is--for the moment--the most honest way he's found he can acquire the money to support himself.

God bless him and equip him to step out from under his bag of bottles and find a better way because there is a better way.