I met Carmine today, but only because of what happened a week ago.

Let me explain.

I had stood in front of this church last weekend debating whether I should enter, but decided against it for fear of intruding and being chased away. When I returned home I looked up St. Andrew’s online and saw how lovely it was inside, so of course regretted my decision.

Today I found myself there again, and this time I noticed a sign by the front steps advertising a free concert. Well that gave me all the reason I needed to enter. I was happy I did.  When I stepped inside, I saw this tranquil scene of a man playing acoustic guitar, alone, at the front of the church.  He was preparing for his concert.  The sound was simply beautiful.  Without really thinking, I walked down the main aisle toward him, closing the distance between us.  I got within a few steps before he stopped playing; he looked up, quizzically, at which point I awkwardly said “Hi, would it be okay for me to take your portrait?”. He said yes, and the result is here.

Thanks Carmine.

—Peter.