Introduction to ONE SUMMER ACROSS AMERICA:

"Mona Lisa must have had the highway blues, you can tell by the way she smiles... " sings Bob Dylan, and I know exactly what he means. Since I've been back from my trip there's not a day that goes by that I don't have to fight the urge to pack my bags and leave again. The call of the open road seduces me. It promises a complete escape from life's daily struggles and responsibilities. It grants absolute freedom and anonymity. On the road there are no worries about what people think or expect. There's no future - or past - no family or friends. Nothing exists anymore except the moment.

For three months during the summer of 2001 I wandered America. Alone and free. Wandering and searching for quiet moments to photograph that reflected my own mood. Meeting and photographing people in the most public places of the country - in the streets - at parades - in public parks - at barber shops and beauty salons - in bus stations and on buses.

This is my country - my people. All across this land I found the same sad sweet song that echoes in my own soul. The sadness - the loneliness - the silliness of it all. Why are we here? What are we doing to help each other? What's the point?

I found beauty and joy too. There's such pride and perseverance in the America spirit. There is a reckless idealism and confidence which - though often so absurd it is laughable - somehow manages to reassure and inspire me to maintain my own faith and determination.

So this little book is my attempt to sing the same song in my own voice - through my own experience - to resonate those lyrics that have been sung by countless artists, poets and songwriters who have come before me. And all I am really trying to say is that I am America. And in my own cynical, desperate way, I love this country.

Bobby Abrahamson
Athens, Georgia
July 2002

Signed Copies of ONE SUMMER ACROSS AMERICA can be purchased directly from Bobby for $35, plus $3 for shipping and handling (to addresses in the United States; international shipping is more). Please contact Bobby by email at bobbyfoto@hotmail.com to order copies.

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