---

I’m not sure what this boy was doing.  Most of the time I was with him he would do this:  head rolled back, eyes glazed.  He didn’t see to notice me at all. >> He was pretty darn perplexed by the day’s activities.

---

A little boy clutches his new clothes while his older brother eyes his new shoes with an odd mix of stoicism and resignation.

---

I did see a few smiles.  >> I kept telling this kid not to look at the flash I was holding. “Hey!  Look at the camera!  Look at me!”  He looked at the flash. His friend said, “He doesn’t listen to anybody!”

---

The clowns were making balloon hats for any child who wanted one.  I don’t think a balloon hat has ever been worn with such a granite expression.

---

I took their pictures and then I’d get a nod or sometimes nothing at all.  These young men had  peaceful, quiet auras.  I hope life isn’t too hard on them.  I hope they remain peaceful.

These pictures were taken in rural  coal country & Appalachia in 2014

Text and Images © Andrew Auten – All Rights Reserved