I had once hired a professor to critique my portfolio. Prints of my work were passed between; two of us.
Professor: “Why is all of your work; dark?”
Stevie: “I see every living being, full of sadness; in someway”
The professor exhaled deeply, as his forefinger curled the hairs of his mustache. The old man’s eyes drifted behind my shoulder. His gaze set to a mounted photograph. A young woman with hair chaotically strewn, by gusting winds of a passing train.
Stevie: “even her”
His eyes smiled, as he stared deeply into the photograph. His grin was subtle and I’ll never forget his last words.
Professor: “Explore why you see your subjects; that way”.
California Drops
written by Stevie J
The mind has lived and seen
Dare it; unsee
Dead memories, grasp ahold of He
her lies, wither at his heart
The epitome of insanity
Time; sinking
Halt for its captain; alas
Stir the winch and recover wreckage
from a brisk; dark ocean crash
The storm inside, grew stronger; wavering his posture. With each wave causing him to grip his camera; tighter. The ocean swells and so does his mind. Teardrops base the soil, his clothes drenched; standing over a multitude of California drops.
A prelude concealing; the end
Yearning to create a life and grow old together
Slumped atop his suitcase, wailing in the lands between
Lips pressed softly, for it was; the last
The iris darkened, eyelids arose from sodden
Tears guarded the freckles beneath lashes; as waves danced along her complexion
A woman enters his frame.
The somber and faltering look in this woman’s eyes, while she held a child. As her toes drew playful designs into the sinking sands. Curvy lines eventually dissolving after each wave, washed over her feet. The viewfinder rested beneath his eye, while his finger hovered over the shutter.
The old flames within, are only embers and ash; now.
The woman’s visage never embraced the lens or at the lost man behind it. It felt like he had photographed; a ghost. As the mysterious moment ended, the man left, eerily glancing over his shoulder. The woman eventually faded from his heart and sight. His subject became lost within a sea of waves; crashing in.
𝒇𝒊𝒏
Poetry has been a magnificent way for me to express and rediscover past hardships. Boldly addressing fears and pain, that once stood in my way.
This is a story of love and dissolution, marring a youthful existence.
Remembering that one day, where everything seemed possible.
Photographs were taken in Carlsbad, California. Present day.
Photographs were professionally shot and edited by Stevie J
All photography by DopeEdit is protected from copying, scanning, reproduction, enhancement or manipulation by Federal Law.