Distance

by Skald

Small girl clings to her father
-- head buried in his chest
on a cold winter day.

Its a common sight in Hiroshima.... fathers holding their children. They carry them in their arms, without a backpack or similar contraption. Mothers too.

They ride together on bicyles... small seats fitted in front of the main seat... mother and child on one bike.

It is common, Im told, for parents to bathe with their children.

In Thailand, strangers kiss children theyve just met.

But back home, paranoia reigns. Fathers worry about touching their daughters. Teachers keep their distance.

And everyone grows more distant.