negative capability.

Didn’t ask for his name.
Or how long he’d been selling books.
—
The bookseller of Oud Amsteldam.
—
What’s your story?
Do the books sell?
Why books?
Have you read any of them?
Can you pay rent?
Do you need to make a sale?
What keeps you going?
Are you tired?
Do you own another set of clothes?
Is there anyone you go home to?
Am I annoying you?
—
I asked none of that.
—
“Can I take your portrait?” I said.
He saw my camera and said, “Yes.”