Fish on!

 It all started with a "how many fish you caught?" Charlie and his buddy Tony were sitting in folding chairs, smoking, drinking and fishing Wednesday afternoon away. Charlie replied with a "only two, ya see that pole there, that's mine." It quickly became a conversation about everything wrong with the world and an introduction to my new camera. 

Charlie wasn't the most talkative of the two men, so he instantly became the one I asked the most questions to. 

Charlie is a retired cement cutter. He fishes here, there and everywhere at least 3 days a week. He was kind enough to explain his old profession after he saw my "huh" look. It could be dangerous work out there on the roads as people "jump those freeway lines at 96 miles per hour." When I asked about taking his pictures his buddy made a joking comment about being "wanted." 

I asked "have you been in prison?" 

"Yes, ain't hardly a black man that ain't been." 

I didn't ask why he went to prison. I left that "wrong with the world" topic out of the pleasant time we were having. 

They asked what my profession was and had some questions for me. "We are all crazy" Charlie stated as he wobbled his head back and forth and googled his eyes around. 

Charlie and his Tony reminded me to not feed the geese, told me about their children and got emotional about the loss of state park funding that is keeping the parks closed Monday's and Tuesday's now. 

Charlie had 7 children. Three of them were lost just like he had been, to "wild ways and prison." The pain is his face quickly changed when I started to take his picture. 

He suddenly turned into America's Top Model, posing, smiling and making sure he wasn't in direct sun. 

It was hot and as I started to leave Charlie said... I hope we see you again young lady, thank you for stopping to chat with us. It's not often people talk to strangers anymore. Oh and can you send me my pictures!"

"Of course" I said as I noted his email address. "And thank you both for sharing yourselves with a stranger holding a camera."