Thirsty Lion

Thirsty Lion, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: September 15, 2013

This lion sits at the gates of Chinatown in Montreal. Its bottle was deposited by one of the homeless people that congregate in the area. It is sad that so many take to the streets - many due to drug addiction and/or mental illness. While the lion represents power and wealth, these downtrodden are at the opposite end of society.

There are more than 20,000 homeless in Montreal. While there are services, many don't know how to access them or don't feel comfortable accessing them. This photograph was taken on a warm evening. Winter will set in and their plight will take on a more desperate outlook. There is far too much disparity in our society.

Shivering

Shivering, originally uploaded by susanvg.

One of my neighbours has two of these lions in front of his house. They sit there in all weather but I am sure this fellow would rather be indoors. He looks like he is suffering in the cold weather. He can't even see who might be coming along.

In the summer his friend suffered from vandalism. Some youngsters thought it was a good idea to push it over. These lions are very heavy; my neighbour had to get a small crane to set it back on its pedestal. I don't understand what goes through people's minds when they commit these acts.

Day 263: Changing Times

Day 263: Changing Times, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This character has looked down on those coming up the steps of this building on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal. Built in 1899 as Royal Victoria College, it served as a parallel university as part of McGill, but separate - this was where women could live and study. Perhaps the lion was daring the men to enter at their own risk.

Once women were integrated into the mainstream of university classes, they still were considered members of Royal Victoria College. The building continued to serve as a residence and as a centre for women's athletics. To learn more about the residence - click.

In 1971 the Faculty of Music moved in, and though a small part of the building still served as a women's only residence, the main part was transformed into classrooms, practice spaces and a lovely concert hall.

This lion has witnessed this transition. His pained expression seems to say he has seen enough. Too bad he cannot enter the building and witness the wonderful events that have taken place here. I am sure that change will continue to happen. We cannot just close our eyes to it, but learn to adapt and shape our futures and not allow ourselves to turn into stone and be as immobile as this character.