The Meaning of Home

Cry Macho

This thread contrasts the homes Mike and Rafo have lost or never possessed with the temporary belonging they find in Janasco.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Mike’s Unreadable Apartment Mike’s Unreadable Apartment from "Cry Macho". Mike’s Unreadable Apartment A room full of trophies Mike’s apartment displays his career but feels hostile to reading, reflection, and memory.

Mike’s Unreadable Apartment from "Cry Macho". Mike’s Unreadable Apartment A room full of trophies Mike’s apartment displays his career but feels hostile to reading, reflection, and memory.

Mike’s Unreadable Apartment A room full of trophies Mike’s apartment displays his career but feels hostile to reading, reflection, and memory. Belonging absent He cannot identify the man who chose to furnish it that way.

Rafo’s Unstable Shelter Rafo’s Unstable Shelter from "Cry Macho". Rafo’s Unstable Shelter No lasting refuge Rafo sleeps in alleys, abandoned spaces, and wherever he can avoid hunger and danger.

Rafo’s Unstable Shelter from "Cry Macho". Rafo’s Unstable Shelter No lasting refuge Rafo sleeps in alleys, abandoned spaces, and wherever he can avoid hunger and danger.

Rafo’s Unstable Shelter No lasting refuge Rafo sleeps in alleys, abandoned spaces, and wherever he can avoid hunger and danger. Home as a wound He has left a violent household but still longs for a father and a secure place.

The Shrine’s Shelter The Shrine’s Shelter from "Cry Macho". The Shrine’s Shelter A temporary refuge Mike and Rafo sleep in a chapel among candles and an image of Mary.

The Shrine’s Shelter from "Cry Macho". The Shrine’s Shelter A temporary refuge Mike and Rafo sleep in a chapel among candles and an image of Mary.

The Shrine’s Shelter A temporary refuge Mike and Rafo sleep in a chapel among candles and an image of Mary. Safety shared The shrine gives the pair a place to rest without turning either into an owner or captive.

A Household of Children A Household of Children from "Cry Macho". A Household of Children Belonging through ordinary care Rafo helps with the children and Mike shares work and meals with Marta.

A Household of Children from "Cry Macho". A Household of Children Belonging through ordinary care Rafo helps with the children and Mike shares work and meals with Marta.

A Household of Children Belonging through ordinary care Rafo helps with the children and Mike shares work and meals with Marta. Home without wealth Janasco offers affection and community despite poverty, disease, and limited opportunity.

Home as a Choice Home as a Choice from "Cry Macho". Home as a Choice No return to the old life Texas offers Mike no restored family or career, only familiar absences.

Home as a Choice from "Cry Macho". Home as a Choice No return to the old life Texas offers Mike no restored family or career, only familiar absences.

Home as a Choice No return to the old life Texas offers Mike no restored family or career, only familiar absences. A destination chosen He turns back toward Janasco, where home is a relationship and a practice rather than a permanent guarantee.

Before the opening rodeo

Before Mike finds him

The first night on Janasco mesa

During the Janasco stay

After Mike’s escape into Texas