Siren Songs

 

Uma & Gabriel @ SE 37th & Hawthorne

I met Uma and Gabriel while they were busking on Hawthorne.  They were visiting from Olympia, WA and like many seasoned travelers they seemed to understand that soaking in the atmosphere of a single corner can be more gratifying than frenetically dashing from one landmark to another.  They hadn't made much money yet, but were having fun playing "siren songs" and chatting with passerby.  While shuffling the cards,  Gabriel mentioned that he was really hoping to pick The Fool.  He has deep affinity with the little dog that appears on the Rider-Waite version, even having a tattoo of it to serve as his "constant companion and protector".  He didn't pick The Fool this time around, but Uma did.  Since the aspect of companionship was the major association Gabriel was making at the time, it feels more appropriate that way.