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| 47 |

i'm sorry

woman panhandling, san francisco, february 2008

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there's an anger in her that simmers and bursts. but the grief flows unstopped. her name is patricia. the cat in her lap is "fluffy."

she sits erect unbent but her face betrays every thought.

she has cancer in her stomach.

"i'm not afraid to show you" she offers as she shows her withered belly.

her husband died in '03 with the life she had. this one is hard to bear. they prey on her because she doesn't fight back. she can't; she won't. they come into her room at the hotel and take everything. every month, they take everything.

and for what she needs, they want her to do things.

"but i'm 56" i can't do those things.

she cries and she yells and she spits spiteful words. these men.

then she stops.

"i'm sorry" i shouldn't.

115 Flickr comments:

names across the sea says:

the way people treat other people is inhumane. and she should. she should loud and clear

...posted 8/10/2010 2:41:21 AM

toryhuds says:

interested in purchasing a print if possible

...posted 4/21/2010 1:29:18 AM

lemonhoney says:

Heartbreaking.

...posted 4/14/2010 6:10:41 PM

[MarioPhoto] says:

great streetshot and bw .........!

...posted 4/4/2010 5:34:38 PM

foxielicious says:

such a sad emotional image

...posted 3/31/2010 12:59:54 PM

ratstomp18 says:

I wish I was an angel so I could rescue her

...posted 10/6/2009 6:02:04 PM

Sean Hawkey says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Portraits, interesting ones, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 9/20/2009 10:48:08 PM

spikeblacklab says:

The emotions this photo and story evoke are beyond words... so beautiful and disturbing at the same time.

...posted 9/4/2009 2:22:39 PM

hopefulfortomorrowandtoday says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called soulful group, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 7/8/2009 12:58:48 PM

hopefulfortomorrowandtoday says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called sad world, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 7/8/2009 12:58:31 PM

SUSANPHOTOGRAPHY says:

Fantastic shot.It made me emotional =]

...posted 5/11/2009 2:07:40 AM

macushla63 says:

Heartbreaking... beautiful portrait!

...posted 4/10/2009 3:06:03 PM

GR (on the road again) says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ** The Big Sleep **, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

...posted 3/28/2009 1:47:19 PM

xraobabryx says:

so raw.
I love this

...posted 3/26/2009 3:38:26 AM

DrkLght713 says:

amazing

...posted 3/24/2009 1:50:35 PM

milky-brown says:

what a great character - and capture!

...posted 3/24/2009 2:03:16 AM

K.Davie says:

fantastic

...posted 3/22/2009 4:17:25 PM

MyMagicMe says:

How do you do it.... How do you hold back the urge to hold her and take her home with you... I just dont know how its done. YOu are amazing I cant stop crying. How can people do this to anyone. Especially someone so broken as this. People are such scum at times.

Utterly Heart wrenching. My tears are shared with hers.

...posted 3/22/2009 3:23:07 PM

ramontic says:

honest congratx on your work whit street people
you pics are very touchly...social and emotional..
photosoul....¡¡¡

...posted 3/21/2009 4:18:29 PM

~BranchDesign says:

I put the wrong word in the search field and and brought me to this photo. It's a great photo, thought I'd share.

www.flickr.com/photos/kirstiecat/2744361514/

...posted 2/7/2009 12:39:19 AM

~BranchDesign says:

God, I love the truth in your photos.

Everything just falls into place.

...posted 2/7/2009 12:37:43 AM

syahirah shuairi says:

makes me want to cry. :((

...posted 11/17/2008 7:22:47 PM

AH in Pgh says:

terrible story — I can hardly look at her face because of the pain, the unfairness, the brutality of it. your work is amazing and excellent but I can't stay with it for long...

...posted 11/17/2008 5:08:10 PM

Paul Presnail says:

I just revisited this shot and, with the hundreds of billions of dollars being given to bail out banks and greedy millionaires with bankrupt souls, it becomes even more poignent. Thank god the era of Bush (expletive deleted) is at an end. I pray for Obama's safety and that he has the strength and courage to follow his heart.

...posted 11/6/2008 12:52:37 AM

carolefun904 says:

the poor dear...

...posted 11/5/2008 8:14:52 PM

grrsawn says:

wow. i can't stop looking at this either...

...posted 9/19/2008 1:55:59 AM

Paloma(*) says:

que pena mas
grande
se le nota el los ojos"

...posted 9/3/2008 12:41:41 AM

Elrenia_Greenleaf says:

God, I just want to give her a hug, she looks so lost. :(

...posted 8/19/2008 8:43:05 PM

bike queen says:

Living the life on the streets of a big city is the most scary thing one can face.Homeless-it isnt being easy wherever they might find themselves,tho in smaller towns people still approach them and are not scared of those less fortunate,even more helpful i would say.
<in big cities you are just an animal,beaten and forgotten,everything being taken away from you,even dignity.
Stories life has in for us:we could never know.

...posted 8/15/2008 12:22:22 PM

Paulete Matos says:

Oi! Sou administrador de um grupo chamado Black is Black - Invite only e nós adoraríamos ter isto adicionado ao grupo!

...posted 7/21/2008 12:28:51 AM

Cliff Michaels says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Faces of Maturity, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Explore /i>

...posted 7/4/2008 4:40:53 PM

dlemieux says:

i can't stop looking at this. forever burned in my memory.

...posted 7/1/2008 4:35:00 PM

AArchibald says:

This broke my heart. That poor soul. :(

...posted 6/16/2008 12:34:43 AM

Double_Nickel says:

She looks so much older than 56.

...posted 5/28/2008 1:53:21 PM

Kezzaroo says:

Ive had this picture faved for some time now, and i keep coming back to look at her.. You're words, her face, have really touched me. Every time i look at this image something twists in my insides and my throat tightens.. this could be my mum, it could be anyone. Theres nothing at all i can possibly do for her, and it really.. really.. pains me. I just want her life to be better, i am so sad for her. As much as it hurts to see this, i have to thank you for bringing these images to us on flickr, your portraiture is incredible, you can see the hardship and life in these faces, you can read so much in their eyes.. thank you stoneth ♥

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)

...posted 5/6/2008 4:03:16 PM

cessiah says:

i can't stop crying. what an amazing person you are.

...posted 5/5/2008 8:35:45 AM

joshfleenor says:

Hello, My name is Josh I am doing a Project to raise awareness about homelessness and hunger, I was wondering if i could use some of your images, Its non profit and will just be a local thing, contact me at joshfleenor@yahoo.com its i can
thanks

josh

...posted 4/27/2008 7:08:34 PM

labspics says:

This is so moving, both story and picture.

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)

...posted 4/26/2008 9:06:50 PM

the twinkling of an eye says:

Goosebumps and utter conviction.

...posted 4/23/2008 2:10:36 AM

Alternative Life Photography & Design says:

this is incredible. so painful. life is hard, but these people have been down on their luck for so long. you are a truly curious photographer. i am always been shy to ask people their story and I would shoot from a distance. i admire your courage and your amazing photography!

...posted 4/22/2008 3:11:54 PM

KJP Images says:

very emotive photographs and stories

...posted 4/18/2008 11:59:04 AM

raineys says:

I just saw this...very painful and sad these stories...the world can be a scary place..

...posted 4/17/2008 3:46:25 AM

mpkillmer says:

It's just not fair...

...posted 4/13/2008 2:28:42 AM

anandajoy says:

Words can't describe how this pained me to read...

...posted 4/11/2008 12:36:36 PM

¥∑Ñ$kŸ says:

heartbreaking

...posted 4/9/2008 11:12:50 PM

qheolet says:

Hey bro.... long time no see you on flickr, good photos !!! like allways and with a history... you really get close to your characters

...posted 4/9/2008 1:35:35 PM

kipinä. says:

thank you,,

...posted 4/9/2008 8:22:47 AM

iamnona says:

wow, that's heavy.
this reality is very hard to bear.
you have a great gift.

...posted 4/5/2008 8:59:06 PM

eckmeck11 says:

great work you´ve done. i feel deeply moved, sad..., but also happy because of your work. Thanks!

...posted 4/5/2008 3:19:03 PM

Soccer Mom 14 says:

your work is incredible. amazing and heartbreaking stories.

...posted 4/4/2008 10:09:34 PM

HalfYank says:

I admire you and your work.

...posted 3/31/2008 8:00:15 AM

moggierocket says:

----------------
╒═════════╣╠═════════╕
This Masterpiece deserved to appear in :

" ╠Art Libre-Free Art-Arte Libre-Freie Kunst-invited pix only╣ .

tag with : "ArtLibre" and consider joining us :o)

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."

[Piet Mondrian ] Dutch painter
╘═════════╣╠═════════╛
invited with SICI

...posted 3/28/2008 8:30:50 PM

moggierocket says:

Phew....why is life sometimes so goddamn cruel and hard on people?
Thanks for the pic and story. This deserves a place among all the golden sunsets we see plenty of.
--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)

...posted 3/28/2008 8:30:38 PM

CrazyFast says:

I just want to hug her :(

...posted 3/28/2008 2:51:09 PM

return of the rat says:

oh my god... it is so expressive!!

i love your job

congrats!!

my best wisses

...posted 3/26/2008 9:57:23 PM

LetoCarvalho says:

Your job is so impressive!!!

...posted 3/19/2008 4:20:45 AM

JPL Nitro IN/OUT :( says:

Nice shot my FRIEND!!!

You are invited to post this picture in:
FLiCkr High Quality Photography

Congratulations! You have been awarded the
All the Best Award quot;

All the Best Award

You are invited to post this photo at
All the best

Please Tag Image allthebest

~I SNIFFED out this wonderful image!
You deserve this nose worthy award!
Please ADD your
Impressively beautiful
photo to~

Impressed by your Beauty! (Invite only images)
Please tag your photos ImpressedBeauty

...posted 3/18/2008 9:09:09 AM

Harpersbizarre says:

My husband just returned from San Francisco- we had both planned to go. Alas, motherhood comes first, and I was left behind taking care of 2 sick children with stomach virus- uck. So, looking forward to next time. This is excellent.

...posted 3/18/2008 3:23:48 AM

pulccinella says:

really beautiful..

i dont know if you have seen tthis photographer: "Martin Schoeller"
his close ups are Incredible...take a look of his work..bye!!

...posted 3/11/2008 12:00:35 AM

foxfjord says:

Reality check - as we go about our regular lives, this is what lurks in the shadows. You shine a light on them.

...posted 3/9/2008 4:07:14 PM

MeekoMommy says:

I am embracing her and holding her right now. Her tears brought me tears. Tom, you are my hero!

...posted 3/7/2008 10:52:11 PM

Yvonne U.E. says:

Great picture and a great touching story!!

...posted 3/1/2008 11:29:46 PM

linustein says:

Devastating

...posted 3/1/2008 10:17:58 PM

Paul Presnail says:

jesus, the depth of human suffering is beyond belief.

$500 billion for killing and none for the living...God forgive us for allowing this to happen.

...posted 2/29/2008 9:42:12 PM

unxpektd says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Reflecting, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

...posted 2/29/2008 9:38:47 PM

unxpektd says:

great pic

...posted 2/29/2008 9:38:36 PM

WinstonG says:

I've no words

...posted 2/28/2008 5:36:16 PM

original_ann says:

I'm with locamotion.

...posted 2/28/2008 12:50:22 AM

locamotion says:

like a punch to the gut

...posted 2/27/2008 7:21:30 PM

Freaky Maru says:

beautiful

...posted 2/27/2008 6:19:11 PM

[] bichito [] says:

great to see your work again
the same dignity as ever

(this photo, and all your last ones, didn't appear on my Contacts page, Flickr is breaking the community)

...posted 2/27/2008 12:53:40 AM

metini says:

stunning portrait as usual

...posted 2/26/2008 10:33:22 PM

dreamer101 says:

...hard to bear indeed. May you and she have comfort in sharing with others. If we would all just do some small thing to help...

...posted 2/26/2008 10:04:29 PM

Kristen J Guerrette says:

I'd want to take them all home with me. :(

...posted 2/26/2008 7:33:54 PM

Supervixen. says:

I just love your portraits.

...posted 2/26/2008 3:02:33 PM

{wyethhouse} says:

the tears shed here tell as much as the words... pain is a horrible part of this life

...posted 2/26/2008 1:17:59 PM

Franco Orsi says:

Congratulations for all yours portraits!!!

...posted 2/26/2008 7:50:58 AM

Trui says:

Great shot and excellent story!

...posted 2/26/2008 6:58:40 AM

SL Levy says:

I hate it when the strong prey on the weak, when the poor steal from the poor. Friend of mine had his ankle broken in his sleep. No reason cept he's an honest fella. Her anger is understandable, her forgiveness enviable. Where does the strength come from! Thanks for telling it all.

...posted 2/26/2008 1:06:35 AM

Tim Gavin says:

Thanks for the reality check....makes my problems seem so trivial.

...posted 2/26/2008 12:26:40 AM

sarah ... says:

wow

...posted 2/25/2008 11:54:44 PM

somnium! says:

wow this is arresting, well done , bravo, great coverage of life on the street

...posted 2/25/2008 10:15:19 PM

matt_and_his_pics says:

This is one of the most troubling and heart rending stories that I've heard in a very long time. I love your photos for the untouched humanity they show and the discarded stories they tell.

This one simply crushes something inside me.

...posted 2/25/2008 9:31:08 PM

Extra Medium says:

that's so sad. she is far too young to be going through things like that.

...posted 2/25/2008 9:13:11 PM

Okalie Dokalie says:

Good to see you back.
Fantastic.

...posted 2/25/2008 8:26:28 PM

PJOnori says:

Extremely heart wrenching. I truly, truly admire that you add stories for each person you photograph. You are exposing a world that many wish to believe does not exist.

...posted 2/25/2008 8:05:21 PM

* Ahmad Kavousian * says:

Great shot Tom, nice to see you back after a long time

...posted 2/25/2008 6:07:48 PM

francesca.mazzucato says:

Please add this beautiful photo to CITRIT,Best of yours!
Citrit group

...posted 2/25/2008 3:27:36 PM

joey kennedy says:

Bro! Its so good to have you back and this is touching!

...posted 2/25/2008 11:46:44 AM

Balaji Dutt says:

This was like a kick in the gut..
--
Seen in my RSS Reader

...posted 2/25/2008 6:40:23 AM

Sha Sha Chu says:

Thank you for sharing your stories. Very powerful.

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)

...posted 2/25/2008 5:16:21 AM

Sebastián-Dario says:

Genial !!

Seen in a darckr gallery of your pics (mine, ?).

...posted 2/25/2008 2:51:01 AM

yaznotjaz says:

so heartbreaking.
thank you for taking the time to listen to stories like patricia's, and telling them to us, too.

...posted 2/25/2008 1:30:42 AM

brents pix says:

this is one of the most compelling streams on flickr.

...posted 2/25/2008 1:28:51 AM

beforethecoffee says:

Well done not just the shot but the story too.

...posted 2/25/2008 12:43:14 AM

K weav says:

im going to cry. so sad. such a good portrait. wow.

...posted 2/24/2008 11:26:35 PM

nonac. says:

right on, eye-cacthing street portraiture
superfantastique

...posted 2/24/2008 11:10:36 PM

jon.atli says:

good portrait

...posted 2/24/2008 10:35:49 PM

AdamBaronPhoto says:

wow, powerful.

...posted 2/24/2008 10:11:31 PM

AGrinberg says:

Great photo and a powerful theme.

...posted 2/24/2008 9:35:03 PM

ryotnlpm says:

stunning.
>>>seen on
1-2-3 group

...posted 2/24/2008 9:19:48 PM

astey says:

The picture is strong but the story is stronger.

...posted 2/24/2008 9:18:24 PM

J_B - Johnny B says:

Once again Tom you've done it. You get it, really get it.

...posted 2/24/2008 9:04:10 PM

latigi says:

stunning

>>>seen on
1-2-3 group

...posted 2/24/2008 9:01:57 PM

nina*muoric says:

stunning, emozional, sad...

...posted 2/24/2008 8:52:14 PM

josiahrob says:

amazing portraite.

it must be so hard for her

=(

i take what i have for granted sometimes.

...posted 2/24/2008 8:49:18 PM

jennaaaa ☮ says:

all of your pictures are amazing, i love the stories behind them

...posted 2/24/2008 8:46:40 PM

Phil O'Toole says:

Fantastic and moving and heartbreaking...

...posted 2/24/2008 8:43:32 PM

MISOzaps says:

Thank You Tom for sharing this life with us...
The portrait is amazing, I share the comment with Mr.Ztona...
Take Care, MISO

...posted 2/24/2008 8:42:35 PM

garylr says:

The pain and sorrow. We are all sorry!

Thanks for the amazing photos and stories that go with them.

...posted 2/24/2008 8:41:11 PM

Vickykc says:

Unbearably powerful... I feel for her :(

...posted 2/24/2008 8:34:09 PM

mauro brancorsini photographer says:

i love u, and your amazing style...

...posted 2/24/2008 8:31:02 PM

.Surya. says:

wow! this is so strong!

...posted 2/24/2008 8:30:26 PM

Alessandro Ztona Calabrese says:

You are the "Diane Arbus" of the portrait!!

Every you shot is amazing.

Thanks!

...posted 2/24/2008 8:18:53 PM

Karen.Strolia says:

woah. that is so powerful.

...posted 2/24/2008 8:12:49 PM