Needs Are More Evident

:Our wolds have merged now. We are all bystanders.

Our hopes are high. Our denial is strong. Our comfort level is challenged.

Lives were filled with relative satisfaction only a few months ago.

It wasn't perfect yet we seemed to be in charge more, good or bad.

We seemed so saddled with an expanded ritual of routines (covered here.)

What are our needs? Yes, they differ vastly from our wants.

Suddenly our wants take a back seat. What we thought was necessary once isn't as much now.

Rapidly our social scene changes. People are kept distant. We see less and less of our friends.

Then, the realization that we need community for support, trust, and joy.

Our needs are less personal. What is good for the community is good for us, more and more.

So to survive, we need to embrace our community however we define it.

A healthier community is essential for our continued good health, happiness, and survival.

The image

Back when, there was an Easter Parade on Manhattan's 5th Avenue, one of my favorite happenings.

Hundreds and hundreds gathered from all over. It later grew into a 'tourist trap', too much of a good thing.

Camera in hand, I noticed something way out of character for a 'street person.' Their appearance was too polished.

First it was an area of Manhattan normally devoid of those seeking contributions.

The 'theatrics' of the crown, the arty sign, and self placement, right under the "V" of baseball fever sign was peculiar.

Yes, even the yellow bag to draw attention against the drab, 'colorless' long coat was odd.

Having lived in Manhattan several lifetimes offered first hand experience to witness those in need vs those who want more.

There was even a major NYC headline of someone dressed as a nun working outside of Grand Central Station for years.

Bystanders contributed heavily to aid the 'poor.' Instead, it was proven to be a single personal bank account. Hey, it's NYC.

Our needs may be important to us yet in these times honoring them vs our wants for more may be more prudent.

My reputation stands on not photographing street people. It's a form of bullying, I resent it. It takes away their dignity.

Totally believing this situation wasn't what it appeared to be, I casually approached. Click! Walked away. End of story.

Stay strong, my friends.

P.S. Recent blog images were expertly scanned from my ol' color slides by Pivot Media in Florence, MA. 

About the Author: Robert Floyd enjoys awareness and being in the moment. So appreciative of heroes in his life. You can usually find him, when he’s not in The Robert Floyd Photo Gallery, leading Zoom sessions and creating 2020 field trips in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, Cape Cod, Cape May, Newport, Manhattan, and Nova Scotia. 

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Image: Isolation at Quabbin Reservoir ©Robert Floyd, 2020