Tyrone

04-20-2013, Saturday

Love Park, Philadelphia

Tyrone was the first person I noticed in the park, who looked like he might agree to my proposition. He was sitting on the stone parapet, and met my eyes as I approached. He listened carefully as I explained to him that I am an artist, who likes painting portraits, and I am asking him for a favor to pose for me right there for about an hour. He nodded his head, like it was nothing new to him. I said that I am grateful that he agreed, and he smiled with very open and calm smile. I offered him a sandwich. He nodded. I told him that I have to make a sandwich right now and suggested to use his palm as a plate. He stretched out his palm.  As we were working other people approached us. First, young people who were running some fundraising event offered us to buy their boxed lunch. We declined. Then the skateboard riders made a photo of us. They liked the portrait. Another guy stopped by to admire my work. He told Tyrone that my portrait looks exactly like him accept for the neater haircut. They both laughed toothlessly. I suggested that I make his portrait, too, but he said that nobody wants to see his ugly face. When I cleaned up I offered Tyrone another sandwich, but he declined. I said that I should eat as little as he does; he smiled. He asked me if I had a family, and told me that his children are all right and live in Northeast, Philly, the youngest being sixteen. He called himself a widower. He lives on the streets since five years ago, doesn’t like to go to shelters, because people steal there, and he doesn’t have friends.