The coin chugger

In the midst of the pandemic-ridden streets of New York City, embarked on a photo walk project in 2021, titled "The Resilience". Little did I know that this venture would lead me to a profound and unforgettable encounter with many individuals.
Strolling through the bustling streets, my camera in hand, I came across a guy who caught my attention. Something about him intrigued me, and felt compelled to capture a portrait. With his sparking, light-blue eyes and curls of a light color, he stood out amidst the urban chaos.
Positioned myself to take his portrait, He seemed drawn to the energy of the moment, his presence almost magnetic. With curiosity blending with empathy, made eye contact with him, acknowledging his existence.
Unexpectedly, he approached me, his eyes fixated on my camera. A tinge of vulnerability coupled with determination emanated from his being. He requested that I take his portrait, an opportunity to immortalize his presence captured within the frame. Moved by his request, I obliged.
Upon snapping the final shot, he glanced eagerly at my hand, his gaze fixated on the coins resting beside it. An unexpected turn of events followed as he quickly demanded the money. Without hesitation, I handed him the few coins I had in my possession at that moment.
To my astonishment, the homeless man promptly shoved the coins into his mouth, swallowing them with a disconcerting swiftness. A mixture of confusion and intrigue washed over me. Why would someone consume the very sustenance they desperately craved?
Undeterred by his peculiar behavior, the man insisted on another portrait. Little did I anticipate the fire that would ignite within him as he assumed various poses. The challenges of capturing his essence were magnified by the constraints of my Summarit 5cm lens, known for its demanding manual mechanics.
Nevertheless, as I fought to maintain focus, a strange and memorable moment unfolded. In those brief yet intense interactions, I witnessed a vibrant soul traversing the city streets, reliant on the seemingly insignificant coins scattered around him. It was a tangible reminder of the resilience that permeates even the most unexpected corners of society.
Time have passed since that encounter, yet the memory remains etched in my mind. It serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and complexity that resides within.