Old Photo

[Steven Hunley]

Old Photo

by

Steven Hunley

I’m lookin’ at an old photo I found on the floor. And you know what? It’s me. I’m skinny, my hair is down to my shoulders, my sunglasses are in my hand. I’m relaxed. I’m wearing a shirt with no color, and my boots are showing under my bell-bottoms. One foot is flat on the bricks and the other’s toe is touching the floor too but the heal is up at at jaunty angle like Errol Flynn’s in Gentleman Jim. It’s a devil-may-care pose. I’ve got this stupid “top of the world, Ma” look on my face like James Cagney as Cody Jarrett in White Heat right before he blows himself to Kingdom Come.

I’m leaning all relaxed-like on a railing. Behind me is an ancient brick building with two statues in front. Then a green hill behind that and a church. It’s Rome. The brick walls on each side of me are the Coliseum, and it’s an arch I’m standing under.

I’m on top of the world and relaxed about it.

So I look in the mirror. I see a guy I don’t know. It’s me. That sucks. I’m fat, my hair is short and my oh-so-cool sunglasses have turned to oh-so-uncool bi-focals. I’m wearing a shirt with no color. My tennis shoes are showing up under my cargo pants with two million pockets.

I look thoughtful and determined. I’m leaning on a Formica table in a cheap apartment. Behind me is an equally cheap microwave. My feet are spaced well apart like I’m solid and ready for war. Like the Colossus of Rhodes. I have a look of confidence on my mug like Russell Crowe in Gladiator or Master and Commander. Like someone that knows what they’re doing. How do I manage it?

I’ve perfected my shamming, that’s how.

It’s a look like I’ve seen it all.

I haven’t.

But you know what?

I’m still on top of the world and I’m still relaxed about it. That’s attitude for ya.

©Steven Hunley 2011

http://youtu.be/OjzKiEs_pHI

[CM Sackett]

...thumbs up.

[Delta40]

Nice contrast. I read somewhere inside every old woman is a young woman wondering what the hell happened!

[Trever J Bennett]

I like how the voice shows a lot more about the character than you can say in words. Excellent.

[Buh4Bee]

I read this a couple of times and each time I liked it. Self-reflective pieces that stay in the present seem to have more meaning, because they are about the here and now. Isn't reflection suppose to have meaning in the now? I think you are very constructive and effective with this piece. I felt a certain charm and honesty that makes the piece significant.
Steven, I constantly complain about aging as happens to women when they hit the thirties and forties- I hope I can maintain such a confident level of grace as I continue to move through this process as you demonstrate in this piece.

[Steven Hunley]

Buh4Bee. From what I see on Facebook you've moved through the process quite gracefully. Introspection has never been one of my strong suits, but lately I've been given the power by an excellent psychologist. Thanks Barb, for being my mirror.

[Danik 2016]

Lolsnif! Nice story. Coincidently scanned some old family pics today. Somehow can´t relate to my past me.

[kiz_paws]

Steven, you have so aptly penned the reaction of old photo vs reality.

I look at an old photo of me leaning on the side of my brother's '67 Ford Mustang (black leather bucket seats... omg, what a car...!), dressed in denim jeans, chambray shirt, denim vest, with a cocky look on my MUG (ha, I had to use your word, as it is hilarious when you do this), long STRAIGHT blonde hair blowing in a breeze. Then in the mirror of today wonder what the hell happened to that denim chick... lol