Two benches, facing the fishing-boat harbor, had three men on each of them. It felt like they knew every single that had happened or was likely to happen in their town. I had the idea the seating arrangements were the same every day, and that this gentleman, on the end of the bench that afforded the best view, had ascended to the power position through his long tenure of being watchful.

Porticello, Sicily
photographed 2.1.2025