The North American Truckyard Toad by Chipka
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Description
It was another hot and taxing day at the truck yard. I had just helped my father and his linguistically-challenged crew move a number of heavy dental chairs, Panorex units (fancy x-ray machines that weigh a ton) and other assorted bits of "heavy dentistry." I was in the mood to do anything other than spend hours in the truck yard, after work, while my father and a mechanic-friend of his worked on a truck. My father's mechanic friend speaks English as a second language. His native language seems to be some strange dialect of Urban Profanity. I have no idea what the two of them were doing. I was unable to do much more than wander around with my camera, taking pictures of ladybugs and aphids, and the innards of dead cars. None of those postmortem automotive shots came out. Oh well. But during those periods of boredom, I stalked from one dead car to another, and noticed something skitter across my path. Suspecting some form of rodent life, I was amazed to find a bumpy, rather annoyed-looking toad, nestled down under the car where he'd taken shelter between bouts of amphibian scurrying.
I have no idea how or why this toad was in a dusty, dry, and oil-slicked gravel trap of a Chicago, south side truck yard. But it was there, in all of its bumpy glory. I couldn't resist taking pictures of it, and this is one such image. The day on which this was taken was so incredibly boring and frustrating, that I've begun to think of this toad as a cousin to the
"fabulous salamander" the one who appears in live hearths, usually, untouched by flames. Fabulous salamanders are endowed with the ability to foretell major (often positive) changes. But in this supremely prosaic and mythless age, perhaps toads in truck yards are all we can manage.
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As always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting, and hopefully you're all having a great week!
Comments (23)
auntietk
I see he's holding a wand or a staff of some sort, perhaps in preparation for blessing (or blasting) random (yet sincere) itinerant photographers. Who knew the light was so gorgeous in South Chicago truck yards? This is quite a good shot.
romanceworks
A toad in the midst of all the metal and machinery is a fascinating find, so alive and colorful - an omen perhaps of unexpected and good things to come. CC
mbz2662
Nice shot~ Glad you found something to occupy your time :)
beachzz
Is this one of the places I'll get to see---I hope he'll be there if it is. Who knows, he could be my prince!!
durleybeachbum
I like Tara's observation! Your toads are not quite the same as ours here, he seems to have more colours and patterns. It's a super pic.
cheekyelf
What a croaking!!! grand photo-excellent.
DAVER2112
Very cool capture! :)
tamburro
Excellent image Chipka!!! Hugs. Orlando
MrsRatbag
He's a very handsome guy as toads go...beautiful eyes. And one should always be nice to any creature met by chance; you never know who or what it is in truth! Great capture and narrative, as always, Chip!
ladyraven23452
I just love this shot and i also love frogs. What kind of camera do you use. I was useing a digital but im trying my hand with a film camera now it has a much better lens hopeing for better shots. love your work.
JaneEden
What a wonderful poetic way of describing how you came across this amazing bumpy toad, you simply brought the whole truck yard alive in your excellent way of describing your day, you have a gift. As for your photography it is excellent too, hugs Jane xxx
orig_buggy
lol...he's perfect!!
MagikUnicorn
lol You made my Day
elfin14doaks
It's a wand LOL very nice shot. You captured a toad perfectly, and this one seems slightly magical. Careful you never know who he used to be.
elfin12u
Sweet!!! Love the tale of drudgery, finally highlighting to the sole bright spot of your day. Boring as all get out,...but at least you weren't toad before hand!!
Prematos
Great shot.
KatesFriend
Really nice photo. He looks so prehistoric and very at home amongst rocks. There's probably some aquifer around the scrap yard (perhaps even passing underneath it) which he uses to get around.
myrrhluz
Very enjoyable narrative! I love your choice of words when describing your father's machanic-friend's native language. Great picture too. I would never have guessed he was "in a dusty, dry, and oil-slicked gravel trap of a Chicago." It looks like he's a few feet away from a gurgling brook. Lovely definition of skin and eyes.
timtripp
excellent!
kasalin
A nice description and an excellent shot, dear Chip !!! 5* Hugs Karin:)
M2A
Light seems almost wrapping the frog, cool effect.
kgb224
Well my friend even in such Urban decay we find such jewels as you found. This a fantastic capture my friend.Focus is spot on and you had some nice lighting and to top it of a black background which make this toad stand out.
kwami
could it be if i kiss him i could see you as my prince?