Today I met Vera. I had about an hour before class and I decided to rush over to my site to get a start on the next set of photos. While I was looking at the construction site that is the eastern part of the Common, I saw Vera.
I was initially drawn by her hat because it was apparently crocheted and decorated with pigeon feathers… likely local pigeon feathers. I approached her with the intent of photographing her hat, but I was made aware very quickly that she did not want any photographs of her or her belongings. I usually don’t give cash money to anyone ever, but I gave Vera a dollar hoping she’d at least let me take a picture of the hat… it got me no where. She even ended the conversation when I had been around for too long by letting me know that she was very busy and had lots to do. As I walked away she just continued to recite her rhyme… “I need food and money today… I need your generous contribution today…”