To Sleep, Perchance to...Not Get Mugged by Chipka
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Description
I sat on the Red Line train with Corey; we were on our way from somewhere to somewhere: most likely, to his apartment. The night was young, and no exceptionally warm. We’d been out taking photographs; whenever we’re together, some span of our weekly hang-out-visits is always dedicated to photography.
The Red Line trains always grow crowded as they approach Lakeview; it’s a densely populated area of the city. In all honesty, the same trains gain and lose their crowds between the downtown areas and areas farther south. For a short period of time and for a short span of stops, the trains are empty enough for tired commuters to find seats. This isn’t always the case in Lakeview, however. Virtually everyone has reason to visit Lakeview. It’s where Boystown is located; it’s where cheap army surplus goods are available. It’s where international cuisine is always on the menu. If you’re in the mood to eat, you can walk from the USA to Thailand to India in the span of a few blocks—at least in terms of menu offerings. That—in itself—explains (in part) the crowds in Lakeview.
On the evening that I sat on the Red Line train with Corey, crowds got on at Belmont. Seats filled. Quickly. As we sat, thumbing our way through photographs stored in our cameras, a group of guys got on the train. They talked, they laughed, they fell asleep. Quickly. Their day, as I judged it, had been a hectic one, and—if my life in Prague is any indication—beer was a part of it. If you ever want to fall asleep with little or no ceremony, then simply consume mass quantities of beer. In all honesty, these guys simply seemed tired. I didn’t detect even a trace of the beer-woozies; and unlike beer-tinged Chicagoans, these guys were quiet: too tired to talk, I’d venture to guess.
They didn’t sleep deeply…but I’ve noticed that when you’re sitting on a metal-loud train, and assaulted by blaring, automated announcements, sleep is never a thing of depth. They got off a number of stops before Corey and I got off, and as they left the train, they didn’t swagger, sway, or swoon as Chicagoans might, when struck with a sudden case of the beer-woozies. Ah, but they were tired—enough so that one (rather unceremoniously) claimed his compatriot’s shoulder for a pillow. His compatriot (lacking ceremony) simply nodded his head sideways, using the side of the other guy’s head as a pillow. When sleep beckons, you use what you can get, even if it’s a bony shoulder, or a hard head with hair like a storm of autumn-tinged cowlicks. They slept...on an off, and never deeply enough to lose the contents of their wallets.
And so there you have it: tired guys in Chicago. As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (22)
danapommet
Great people study Chip. I've spent more nights, taking the subway out of Boston, to one of the under lit parking areas, in the suburbs, than were necessary. But who wanted to drive in and out of Boston – at any time of day. Anyway, I’ve seen the scene or been part of this scene and it is so typical. Wonderful narrative too. Dana
lwperkins
There is something soothing about trains, as long as no one is standing on your foot ..or picking your pocket. I've always enjoyed riding them since it meant I didn't have to drive somewhere. I love the light here--there is something uniquely urban about the lighting of a Metro train.
blinkings
Great shot Chip. I used to always get the train, but haven't actually done so in about 5 years! The school where I work isn't near a train line, so it's easier for me just to drive. It's about 15 mins in the car and I am there.
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
jocko500
wonderful shot
MrsRatbag
It's a harshly lighted otherworld, the world of trains...I have always loved them, since I was very small. Perfect place for the study of people!
auntietk
Next time I come to Chicago, I want to ride the El. I don't care where ... just to have the experience! I'm sure it's like the Monorail, only totally different. LOL! I love this slice-of-life shot. Looks like the guy at the end of the car clocked you.
RodS
I can relate to these guys. After an evening running my *** off trying to keep up with fixing 18 digital presses that run 24hrs/day, I'm ready to nod, myself! :-D Cool slice of life shot, Chip!
beachzz
I'm with Tara--I just want to see all this for myself. I've been on Bart in San Francisco, but it's slightly less worn and gritty and used by more "upscale" types. Lots of laptops and briefcases aboard, as well as a few guys like this. Makes for interesting people watching, that's for sure. I think the El has it beat by miles, though; this is pure urban art!!
durleybeachbum
Your account of the event draws me into the pic. I use public transport but avoid busy times if poss, as I don't want to listen to other peoples 'personal' music..I can hear every note from most folks' earphones. Also it seems compulsory for some to shout into their phones for the entire journey..BEDLAM!
GARAGELAND
Very candid shot. I would get arrested for doing this in Germany.
efron_241
i noticed in England people fake sleep so they do not have to speak with others.. it is also like that in Amsterdam.. where agression flares up when people look another in the eye.... they fake sleep. just like these boys.. Btw Garageland is right.. one can not take such a photo in many places in Europe. It would cost you at least a day in jail... or if the boys notice.. your camera and a night in hospital.. so be careful when you travel
helanker
Awesome shot Chip. And I like the narrative too.
sandra46
superb description and great shot!
CoreyBlack
Ah, yes, I remember this evening, vaguely, concidering it was about a year and a half ago. Instead of the usual jerky frat boys, these guys seemed genuinely nice. I love how you've captured that hustle-bustle big city urban vibe here. Great shot and a wonderful narrative.
Sepiasiren
lol--that one dude in the back looks a little froggy...great capture. Ah, such is jungle life....
KateBlack10
I LOVE the way you describe the urban EL riding sleep catching - perfect Chicago urban scene. Have seen it many times myself although not for awhile. This is an excellent example of the urban feel of Chicago and the midwest. "They slept...on an off, and never deeply enough to lose the contents of their wallets" - magnificent
flavia49
wonderful image!
billcody
Nothing special, may somebody think in the first moment - but there is so much inside the pic. Not unknown for a million city citizen like me, I see this every evening, and it is great! Young people, old people, some on their way to work, others are tourists from all parts of the world.... Some are sleeping, others reading a book or newspaper, beautiful people and ugly one - the whole spectrum.... A typical chipca in my opinion.. Love your cityscape pictures, comrade!
lick.a.witch
Public transport in Cornwall is practically non-existant except in the towns. If one doesn't own a car, one walks! It is also cheaper to fly to London than go by train, the latter being one of the most expensive (not to mention uncomfortable) ways to travel. Hence my car is my lifeline. Wonderful image of the spirit of tiredness. ^=^
icerian
I am glad that also somebody else is capturing inside the tram or similar public vehicles. Well done, direct from life.
dashboard_jehovah
Looked at the image without reading first. The guy in the focus point sweet spot looks a little shady...may be a good thing that you were snappin' away...not a good idea to mug someone AFTER they take your image!