Stories in the City

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"Our similarities bring us to common ground;

Our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other."

~Tom Robbins

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I walked the streets of Chicago yesterday and found myself looking at faces.  Fascinated by the differences. Smooth, unblemished , creases and freckles. Made up to perfection and worn, wrinkled tiredness Skin of varying hues and hair of every color and style framing them. I walked the streets of Chicago yesterday and found myself looking at stories. Curious as to why each of us were there. Some with determination in their stride, Blackberries in hand, strain on their faces. Some with lightness in their stride, shopping bags in hand, joy and laughter on their faces. Some with no stride at all, curled in doorways with cardboard signs, nothing in hand, weariness and resignation in their faces. I found myself wanting to stop... wanting to talk... but most of all wanting to listen. To really hear their stories for we all have a story to tell. The hundreds, maybe thousands of people, I passed have a story Full of places, people, trials and joys. We all have a story and in that alone we are similar. It's the details, the differences that make us unique... that fascinate. The contrast between a woman, alone, buying a $1200 coat while a man, alone, sits outside praying for a meal. Knowing that they both had a mother who brought them into this world. Knowing that they both were children who laughed and dreamed. Knowing they both have a compilation of small stories that make up the big story of their life. I wonder what made the differences appear... what details make each of them unique... what events and choices brought them to this place. The similarities...the differences... the fascination.  Linking up with: Just Write~ Extraordinary Ordinary Linking up with: Sunday Citar **All images are from Google Image Search.  None of these are my photos and I would give credit to photographers if I knew how to do that**