The Water Boy

I’m always amazed with discoveries during my urban explorations around Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro. Nearby to my favorite coffee shop, I encountered such a moment and, after a week, I’m still in awe of this sight.

I’m going to leave names and locations out of this post until I’m able to find some more information to fill in the gaps. Honestly, I’m not sure exactly what I need to know since sometimes a hopeful heart can fandom a nicer fiction than reality.

The location of the “The Water Boy” was brought to my attention recently by a friend in downtown Oklahoma City near 7th street. I’ve walked past this area hundreds of times without knowing what lurks just on the other side of the fence line. There is no telling how long he has been here or where he hails from. But he certainly doesn’t belong here.

After visiting for a while and observing the left-behind impact of a probable nomadic homeless shelter, we could agree that someone stole the boy from a nearby water feature. But from where? And for what purpose? Did the statue provide some solace and hope from that person’s current situation? I can’t imagine it would have been taken to pawn for food or drink cash. This has to be an act of a higher calling. To what end?

For the moment, The Water Boy is safe, hidden from public view and possible vandals but we must decide on his future soon before the modernization of the area quickly envelopes the hideaway.

The images below were shot with a retro Carenar 35mm f2.8 mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro3 and Pixco Focal Reducer.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below.