This mature gentleman dined alone
on the café terrace,
enjoyed un café and a smoke,
and then counted out the payment.
He walked with the assistance of a cane,
independent and self-assured.
He is known in the neighborhood,
acknowledging the greetings that came his way.
On the first day of each month the City Daily Photo community
posts a photo. The theme this month is "aging."
Click here to see "aging" in cities all around the globe.
Le Metevier
1, avenue Gambetta
75020, Paris
Hi Genie!!
ReplyDeleteI have the feeling that this photo of yours has a life of its own! It captures time, place, emotion. And it's peaceful. Perfect!
Greetings and a smile from a greek seaside
Being in my mid-eighties, this photo resonates with me. I recall reading once that, “Aging is a necessity to growing old”
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful portrait Genie
ReplyDeleteWell stated. Well captured. Aging stopped for a moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely picture Genie! It is bringing back memories for me from last summer when I had lunch alone at one of the cafes across from Tuileries Garden while my daughter shopped.
ReplyDeleteThis photo is beautiful and sad at the same time. His life was full, but now he sits alone. Once people depended on him, now he depends on others. He is full of memories, still most everyone has forgotten him. Thanks for having us ponder his rich life.
ReplyDeleteIt's how we would all like to be at this age I think Genie, beautifully captured here.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Genie!
ReplyDeleteA strong portrait shot, Genie!
ReplyDeleteWonderful portrait.
ReplyDeleteI am not seeing this as sad. The man is out in public in his own neighborhood. He might have just chosen to have some quiet time by eating alone, yet he had some sociability as he acknowledged friends and acquaintances when he departed. It might be quiet contentment at this stage of his life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jack. This does not appear to be sad ... to be known and to be acknowledged says this gentleman is socially engaged. Also, in my later years I can think of very few places i would rather be than a sidewalk cafe in Paris.
ReplyDeleteThis is not in the least sad, Genie. Far sadder are the folks who stay at home to have their coffee aloine.
ReplyDeleteHe is very particular about counting out his coins, isn't he. People younger than, say, 60 pay with a note and hardly ever bother to check their change. People older than this can often be found with their coin purse counting out the exact cost. All in the upbringing, I suspect.
Many thanks for this contribution to our Theme Day. Much appreciated.
Good Ageing theme day post
ReplyDeleteWonderful portrait and description.
ReplyDeleteHad to come back after reading some of the comments. No sadness in this portrait; it's one of independence and enjoyment of life and solitude. Because one is old does not mean that their life is lonely and without purpose.
ReplyDeleteBien vu!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo and commentary -- it brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo and commentary -- it brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDelete