Thursday, April 5, 2012

Petite Fille


As you all know by now, every photo I share brings back beautiful memories of Paris.  But today's photograph is bittersweet for me.  As  Mary and I walked along behind the street market that cold January morning, I spotted this little girl with a cup in her hand. My first thought was that she and possibly maman were having a cup of chocolat chaud.  As I snapped my first shot, she heard the click and turned. She gave me this little smile,  and it was then that I realized that she and her mother were there begging for euros. I tear up every time I look at her sweet face.

16 comments:

martinealison said...

Une très très belle photo... Une photo arrache coeur... Terrifiant qu'un enfant soit dans la rue à mendier.
J'ai vu une telle misère avec les enfants aussi aux Philippines. J'avais envie de tous les prendre avec moi.
Gros bisous

Paris Rendez-vous and Beyond said...

Yes Virginia..for some people Paris can be tough.....and your photo captures this in such a gentle way.

Nicola said...

Always so hard to see the little ones out there begging. But, you have captured the child not the beggar. Such a sweet face.

Joop Zand said...

Good shot Virginia....i like it.

Wish you a happy easter.

greetings, Joop

Cezar and Léia said...

oh la la, elle est mignonne!!!
Léia

Joe said...

How very sad. Why must tomorrow's future live in poverty?

Anonymous said...

This photo makes me sad...I'm ashamed that in this day and age you can still find parents and children who beg for money. I wonder what circumstances created this?

You never know what lies beyond a smile...

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

I can see that she still has hope in her eyes and you have captured her spirit... lovely

Katherine said...

And yet despite her circumstance, she has a perky little grin.
Life is not balanced!

Daryl said...

I wondered when I looked at her face, before I read what you wrote, that there was something there .. maybe it because her face isnt 'clean' or maybe its those circles under her eyes but it was clear, to me, that she was not there to take in the sun

Jack said...

Nicola's comment is wise: "You captured the child, not the beggar."

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Brava Nicola~
Virginia...You have captured the child.

Virginia said...

I thank you all for your thoughtful comments here. She will forever be a Paris memory for me.
V

Jilly said...

I often see mothers and children begging outside the supermarket here, V. The husband is usually not far away watching. Usually the mothers are in Muslim robes but the children are in jeans and join the mother after school. What a way to bring up a child!

Jilly said...

I took a closer look, V. Well dressed child, nice thick coat, looks good quality, trainers. These kids are used by the parents - sad.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

She has such a sweet little face Virginia, some parents are just...not good!! I can so see why this makes you sad.