The UVA magazine came out last week with a black and white photo from 1970 gracing the cover. Students standing around, lounging against a flagpole, staring off at something outside the frame – it’s a somber photo with the word “GROUNDSWELL” plastered across the center, solid block text against a cautionary yellow rectangle.

It’s rather eye catching.

It drew me in and made me wonder…who are these people? Most look relaxed, laid back, hands shoved in pockets or clasped casually in laps. The men in shirt and tie stand in juxtaposition to those sporting casual shirts, jackets, even some jeans. Then there are the three young men perched at the base of the flagpole, one holding a large flag.

A note inside the cover describes the scene: “Thousands of students and others gathered for a week of antiwar protests and tumult on Grounds in May of 1970.”

Finding power in their collective voice. The black and white tone of this photo gives it a deceptively subdued context. With the greater context in mind, I look again.

I see the intensity behind many eyes. Serious or even downturned mouths. A group of people intent on their mission, a picture worth a thousand words.

Linda’s stream of consciousness post comes out to play on Saturdays. This week’s prompt is “picture – Write about, or theme your post on the first picture you see when you sit down to start writing.”