Scenes of life that appear commonplace, may actually be compelling us to acknowledge the presence of others in our midst, or even to reckon with their usefulness. Oftentimes, the nameless individuals inhabiting them are in many ways just like us, but unlike us, they operate at the margins of power or influence or recognition although they are necessary in our lives.
Admittedly, as our daily existences imperceptibly become more routine with time, they gravitate towards being ordinary lives. But the scenes below and their people have more than ordinary lives. They show us the unique characters these people must have to achieve what they desire, and the bargains they have to make to gain a modest modern life. If we observe that, we may behold the wonder of who they are. If we reflect upon their presence, we may conclude that they deserve our admiration and recognition and that they can be symbols of ordinary competence in ordinary circumstances. Indeed, we may even come to honour and celebrate their industry. * * * Half-seen, below are four encounters among dozens, that speak to our indebtedness to those we least acknowledge, and from whom we often derive daily service. We find them engrossed in their jobs despite the risk of harm to them, or the adversity of weather or our attitude that theirs may be fundamentally insignificant or futile tasks. By the roadside or in offices or palatial places, the more unhurried you are, the likelihood that you will notice them and yet fail to observe their presence. The scenes in which they appear are fundamentally a visual medium of the meanings that lurk behind what we see. In fact, look away from those scenes and you are bound to miss an unfolding instance of human competence, with nearly every scene building up to something revelatory about others in our midst.
