Street Performers
Some depend on meager
Talents to get by, often
Rebuked, while
Everyone watches and
Everyone judges,
Thinking they’re soulless because they’re homeless.
copyright Robyn Graham
A couple of street entertainers in Portland, Oregon.
August, 2013
The inhale, literally a second after I asked if I could photograph him.
The exhale.
Feeling great!
Performing with his wife and fellow musician.
The wife creating music on a make-shift violin – a saw.
Feeling the music.
The day’s wages.
Upon writing this post I do not know that the couple in the images is homeless. However, while in Portland in August we did see a large number of homeless people, some of who were street performers. The acrostic poem is dedicated to all those who, for whatever reason; choice, recklessness, drugs, alcohol, mental illness, etc. are homeless and trying to get by with the little money they make putting a smile on the face of a tourist or a local by using whatever hope and talent they have left.
Robyn Graham Photography 
I love this. Always been a fan of B/W photography and these images portray SO much more than just a picture. The Acrostic is fantastic as well. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much JMC! You made my day! Happy New Year! Robyn
Happy New Year to you as well. You have a definite skill for capturing meaningful images.
John (JMC)
Thanks again John! Smiles, Robyn
I’m not sure if I should be embarrassed to admit this or not, but I did not know what an acrostic poem was. What I did know was that I was very much drawn to the poem and the photos as well.
No Laurie, you should not be embarrassed! You learned something new today, that’s all! So glad the poem and photos drew you in! Blessings, Robyn
Fabulous photos Robyn – a street performer with a steel guitar, that’s quite classy – not enough money left for the sidekick’s instrument 🙂
Thanks so much! I Hadn’t thought of that Robin! You may be right!
“Thinking their soul less because they’re homeless” is so powerful, Robyn, so poignant and real. The photographs are a perfect illustration but also a lovely, effective accent.
Thank you dearest Marylin! Blessings, Robyn
I love this!!!
Thank you Nita! Happy New Year to you my dear! XO
hard life!
Wishing you a fabulous 2014 🙂
Indeed Joshi! You have a wonderful 2014 too! Robyn
” … using whatever hope and talent they have left.” – very well put, Robyn! And good pictures too – the black and white is just right. Adrian
Thanks Adrian! Have a fabulous weekend! Robyn
Hello Robyn, I am Itchy on the fence. We found this wonderful depiction of us on google! Thankyou so much for it. Just wanted to let you know that we are homeless by choice and choose to live in order to inspire people instead of material gain. Not only is that all we have left, but it is everything to us. Thankyou so much for the beautiful photos. Hope that sheds more light on the subject.
Nino, I am so thrilled that you found my blog post and liked the photographs. You touched my heart by reaching out and commenting on the post. I would never have dreamt it would find you. You are indeed an inspiration to those of us who are so dependent on the luxuries of material things in our every day lives. I’d love to connect further, and perhaps, do a story on you and any others you know living the homeless life by choice. It honestly fascinates me and I truly find it inspiring. Do you have an email address? If you’d like any of the photographs I’d be happy to email them to you. Thank you and blessings to you. Robyn
Love the photos and itchy inspires me, to be free of the cares and the burdens of meeting the standards, to live free
Hi Robyn! I really enjoyed your post…I am an old time news photographer that loves B&W…great street shots!
Thanks so much Shea! So happy to know you liked the images of Itchy on the Fence! Thanks so much for letting me know! Blessings, Robyn
Love the use of black and white for this!
Thanks Greg!
I recorded Wolfy and Nicole (Itchy on the Fence) performing live in our studio last year when they were in Michigan!
Just saw the video Severin! Thanks for stopping by. I left you a note on your Vimeo page! Awesome! Do you have a way of getting in touch with Wolfy and Nicole? I’d love to do a story on them. Have a great day!