I met Lillian one early spring evening in 2013 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She was sitting outside on the sidewalk alone in a wheel chair. As we talked, she sounded happy and content though her eyes watered. When I noticed her lit cigar, I asked if I might take her photograph. She smiled and then agreed with a wave of her hand, the one holding her cigar. As I bent low and brought her face into focus, she began to speak to me about her past, telling me she had years ago emigrated from Cuba and had no plans to ever return. The overall image was underexposed with the intent of subsequently enhancing critical highlights.

© Michael Glligan