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.