Ode On My Sickness
Collection of Barbara Levine
Since the invention of photography people have written on their photographs to give voice to their personal stories. An example can be found on this photograph from 1908 titled: "Ode On My Sickness" by L. L. Johnson, 2777 Pine Street, San Francisco, Ca. May 13, 1908.
Ode on My Sickness
I. Upon a bed of sickness a young man feeble lay. His face with pain distorted. His eye closed to the day. His heart most wildly beating. The throbbin brain confused as he strives to master reason with fever now abused.
II. For weeks in this condition while physicians & nurses dispaired, the spark of his life still lingered. With Death's grim origen near; loved ones fondly watching and friends denied his side. But well true for the afflicted to stem life's ebbing tide.
III. At last with faith grew (word) and little hope remained, the spark yields their efforts and brightens up again; the color is quickly added the features fllaxen hued; fast he gains from day to day, at last his strength recovered.
IV. One stubborn weakness conquered, that pain & fever dead, his faith and manhood strengthened upon a patient's bed. To those who gathered his sickeness, his grattitude he gives his life he tenders heaven since God grants that he lives
(dedicated to those who watched him in his sickness - LL Johnson)
see exhibition Framed Stories: Personal Words & Pictures on Snapshots