My heart is broken; I keep my promises

Apologies to my flickr friends for the crossposting, but I feel strongly about this one and thought it deserved a reprint here.

My heart is broken; I keep my promises

Vendor at the bazaar: Excuse me, lady?
Me: Yes?
V: Do you put your photos on the internet?
M: Er… yes…
V: Can I ask you to do something for me?
M: Of course.
V: If you could put my photo on the internet, maybe people you know will come and buy clothes for their children from me. I wouldn’t ask, but… things are very difficult for me right now.
M: [heart audibly cracking] Oh, but the people I know are mostly not in Antalya, unfortunately.
V: Ah, but they will look at my picture and they can see I am a good man, and maybe when they come here to visit it will all work out.
M: [nodding, trying not to cry] Yeah, maybe.
V: Just promise me you’ll put the photo there on the internet and tell your friends.
M: I promise.
V: Really?
M: You have my word, I will put your photo on the internet and invite my friends.

So… yeah. If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and your kids need new threads, I can totally hook you up.

10 Comments

  1. Brendajos
    14 February 2009
    Reply

    wow… *sniffle*… how many clothes did you end up buying? I wish I were coming there now. :-/

  2. Brendajos
    14 February 2009
    Reply

    wow… *sniffle*… how many clothes did you end up buying? I wish I were coming there now. :-/

  3. Andy
    14 February 2009
    Reply

    Jeesh, I’ll develop an imaginary child to buy clothes for. Or maybe start dressing my cats? Are you going to act as a middleman for us? I’m serious!
    Andy

  4. Andy
    14 February 2009
    Reply

    Jeesh, I’ll develop an imaginary child to buy clothes for. Or maybe start dressing my cats? Are you going to act as a middleman for us? I’m serious!
    Andy

  5. 17 February 2009
    Reply

    Is there any way you can print out a screenshot of this page to show him?

    • 18 February 2009
      Reply

      I’m not sure that’s necessary – I’m sure he’s happy to take my word for it, especially since I have people waiting in line, willing to send him money.

  6. 18 February 2009
    Reply

    Is there any way you can print out a screenshot of this page to show him?

    • 18 February 2009
      Reply

      I’m not sure that’s necessary – I’m sure he’s happy to take my word for it, especially since I have people waiting in line, willing to send him money.

  7. Alaa
    17 July 2009
    Reply

    I can see kindness and misery in his eyes.
    I love this photo, So real.
    Thank you.

  8. Alaa
    17 July 2009
    Reply

    I can see kindness and misery in his eyes.
    I love this photo, So real.
    Thank you.

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