Daphna Awaits
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As we left Jake's bygone, ruined college house, the same man who approached us on entering asked for money. That usually happens in New Orleans. I said, "I never give hand outs to able-bodied men, but if you talk to me, I will pay for your time." So, we sat, he and I, and talked about Daphna.
He said she had lived in the old Billeaudeaux house for months, since the storm, when its last renters had abandoned it and its power had been shut off for safety violations. He said that cats fed off Daphna's Meals on Wheels scraps. He said she was not a drug addict or a whore, like most of 'em. He said, "Leave her be. I watch out for her, " and demanded a twenty. I gave him ten because I had to buy more film. But last, I asked, as I handed him the bill, "Who is Ben?" "No one knows," he said. "But he dead." Without saying thanks, he wandered away.
As we left, I saw the other side of this image; Daphna, at the windows, hands against the glass, as she stood waiting. Waiting for Ben, whoever he was, and wherever he is.
I wish he would return for her and save her, for certainly, I can not. I could far more easily save her cats, than she, and that is a sad, sad story about life today in the USA, particularly, in New Orleans; the city that time forgot.
In the story Daphna, Not Daphne.
20 Responses
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On 27 June 2008 Peggy Gardner gave props:
hands show the emotion in this picture. what a neat place.
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On 27 June 2008 Frederic Frognier gave props:
A beautifully composed shot
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On 27 June 2008 Warren Mangione gave props:
After reading this I want to go search for BEN!
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On 27 June 2008 Catherine Kurvink gave props:
Another evocative shot, and the story is so well-written. You are such a gifted artist in every way!
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On 27 June 2008 Laura Hartley gave props:
I am humbled, truly, Cat. I sit down with an idea, and God sends the words. I am merely a vehicle of the truth, I like to think.
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On 27 June 2008 Debby Adler gave props:
Overwhelming. Did you know that 'Ben' means son?
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On 28 June 2008 Anne Mcginn gave props:
A deeply emotional story and image, just beautiful laura. i so admire your work. where's my hail mary???!!!!
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On 28 June 2008 John Linton said:
"Broken windows and empty hallways
A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
With frozen smiles to chase love away
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today
Lonely, lonely
Tin can at my feet
Think I'll kick it down the street
That's the way to treat a friend
Bright before me the signs implore me
To help the needy and show them the way
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today" -
On 29 June 2008 Yasmina Baggili gave props:
Excellent shot! Well done.
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On 29 June 2008 Chris Walker gave props:
Awe inspiring. Wonderful story. Powerful shot......
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On 29 June 2008 Christian Golay gave props:
Brilliant again..........................................................................
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On 30 June 2008 Lynn Hathaway gave props:
Laura, this is beautiful!
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On 1 July 2008 William Moore gave props:
beautiful Laura...did time really forget New Orleans? or maybe New Orleans forgot about time! I'm not sure
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On 9 July 2008 Penny Nannini gave props:
Great essay Laura.
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On 11 July 2008 Kiwi ana gave props:
Oh Laura.... I'm so lucky to not be caught up in the prison of the mind like Daphna. Thanks for his story and image they are powerful
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On 13 July 2008 Karen Zimmerman gave props:
Amazing, moving, devastating photos. May Daphna find peace.
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On 13 July 2008 Farras Abdelnour gave props:
How beautiful, so nostalgic and thought provoking!
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On 16 July 2008 Daniel Veintimilla gave props:
wow!
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On 18 July 2008 kevin stewart said:
Damaged film for recording damaged souls
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On 7 August 2008 Donna Whitecotton gave props:
Powerful image and story...great work!
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