Millbank, London, UK

Have you seen the old man
In the closed-down market
Kicking up the paper,
with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride
And held loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news

So how can you tell me you're lonely,
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind

Have you seen the old girl
Who walks the streets of London
Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?
She's no time for talking,
She just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags.

Chorus

In the all night cafe
At a quarter past eleven,
Same old man is sitting there on his own
Looking at the world
Over the rim of his tea-cup,
Each tea last an hour
Then he wanders home alone

Chorus

And have you seen the old man
Outside the seaman's mission
Memory fading with
The medal ribbons that he wears.
In our winter city,
The rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero
And a world that doesn't care

Chorus


Ralph McTell, Streets of London

I was scared to ask this guy to take his picture, as it was the first one of the day (I always get nervous the first couple of shots).

However, he dropped his glasses (which he is holding in the picture), so I got to them and helped him with them. While he fumbled with getting the lens back in, he went on a 30 minute rant, over many subjects. These included how Russian Jews were overtaking Wales (I've never seen any, despite living there when not at uni), how faith was good, but it was hell down on earth, and how the "fucking blacks" were unconquerable and stole his house. Not something I agreed with, but there was no stopping this rant.

As I left, I told him my name, and asked his. He replied: "You can call me 007, and remember it was in 2007!".

So, ladies and gentlemen, meet Mr. Double Oh Seven.

Tweaks done in Adobe lightroom.

Featured in Chris Weeks' journal:

this photo by *AlexJHH suggested by *GFXPunk delves to the place i like to find when i make a photo of any subject. the depth of the eyes is just amazing. very happy this deviant just got the nerve, held on to it, asked to make the photo ... and pushed the button! bravo.

This image won the lyrical photography contest on 26th July 2007. I'd love to thank anyone that voted for me, and inform them that if they ever meet me in person, I promise to buy them ice cream. I'd also like to thank `Obsidian-Fox for holding the competition, and of course, Double Oh Seven, for allowing me to take the picture

Thanks a lot for the DD! I'll reply to all the comments, but I'm going to admit that it might take me a while to get through the faves, life is pretty hectic at the moment. Thanks again!