Mision Catolica San Jose. Colorful church display in Harlem Heights. Paul Goldfinger photograph. Feb 18, 2021. © Click to enlarge.
Gladiolus Drive. Ft. Myers, Fla. Forum photograph. ©
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor Tropicanaforum.com
I had passed this small white church many times on Gladiolus Drive in Ft. Myers. It is located in Harlem Heights, a historic part of town with considerable poverty. Across the road is the bright green food pantry.
Here is a link to our piece about the food pantry.
The population in the Heights is diverse and includes Hispanics, Whites and African Americans. I was especially drawn to this colorful religious display which some would call a “niche” or a “grotto.”
The church, a plain white building, is for the Hispanic population. When I drove onto the parking lot, an elderly man was getting set to mount his 3 wheel bicycle and drive away. I spoke to him briefly, telling him that I would take some pictures. He had a broad smile on his face, missing some teeth. He said that he comes every day to tend the plantings and clean up any debris. No one else was around.
I asked if I could photograph him, and he said, “No, no…I am late. I am late.” (I guess for a very important date…)
All the flowers were real, planted in pots. There is a tiled path leading up to it.
RACHEL CANTU “De Colores” a popular song celebrating colors:
“The fields are dressed in the spring.
In colors, in colors
Are the little birds that come from outside.
In colors, in colors
Is the rainbow that we see shining.”
