My 5-euro buddy
This is the story of the bond that has been woving for several years between a photographer and a fragile gentleman.
THIS IS THE STORY OF A GENTLEMAN
He’s a man who had a life accident. I don’t know which one ... most certainly a drinking problem.
What I do know for sure is that he is a ward of the nation. He no longer has any identity papers and used to refuse financial help from charities. He remembers the day he was born but is less sure of the year.
He’s a gentleman difficult to tame. Although he is desocialised, he has kept some dignity. He refuses to beg and systematically sells cookies, chocolates or calendars… and most of the time returns home with them. He chooses his clothes or shoes with the exactness of a businessman, always wearing shirts and dress shoes, even if his feet hurt. He continues to manage his life as he probably did before, when he was a sales representative.
He’s a gentleman who chooses what he tells me or what he remembers. His memory? It often fails him. When my questions are too intrusive, he withdraws into himself and leaves in incomprehensible monologues.
He’s a trickster who invented a strange charity to soften our retired grandmothers... well, those who open their door.
He is a fragile gentleman who finally agreed to be photographed after visiting him for many years.
For me, telling about our conversations is a way of keeping in touch with this lonely and dignified gentleman. Perhaps also a duty to remember a life of suffering and loneliness, which will one day fly away noiselessly......
He’s a man named Bernard G. He’s my 5-euro Buddy.
This is the story of his visits.
I fear the day he longer rings my doorbell ...