I’ve known Allan for more than a year, but this is the first photograph I’ve taken of him. He didn’t refuse to be photographed, I had the sense he was wary of me and of Red. Red, of course, has broken through, and Allan and I are getting to know one another through the poetry and writing workshops.

Once we got to know each other, he began telling insightful and poignant stories about his family and his life. I alway remember that I am quite strange to some people at the Mansion, and they don’t always know what to make of me.

Some people think I’m trying to sell Red. Some thing i’m going to charge them for the books and clothes and other things I bring or that come from the blog. Some just can’t quite believe anybody would pay attention to them or send them thing from far away.

And some wonder about the stranger in their midst.

Sometimes I can’t quite believe it myself. I am especially patient with the wary residents, I don’t photograph them or try and don’t approach them myself or with Red until I am sure they want to see us.

Some, I realize or just shy and fearful of talking to me, they don’t quite know what or who I am. Allan and i have clicked now, he loves to see Red and he and I talk openly. I love the stories he tells and we are working on some poems together.

He was quite happy to be photographed in his new wool cap. I thought he might want a bigger one, but this one worked out fine. I’m glad to get to know Allan.

You can write Allan c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.