Is this any good?

Good question.
I wanted to show life in poverty. I was in a very bad neighborhood. These boys know nothing other than what they have grown up in. To them, this is normal and ok, just routine, as good as it gets.

Whos to say if the photo is good really, sure people can point out things that would be nice to remove from the shot or a better setup choice for a gerneal audience but If it makes you happy then it's good!

The second pic is much better in my opinion. Which is what I think you posting them here and asking us "is this any good" is what you were after. I agree with exposingmyself that the seperation is what makes it better in my eyes, and that the pole was fine.

Picture-this has a very valid point but he did ask.

I like them all too.

I disagree. I am not taking photos to please myself. I am more interested in pleasing the viewer and stirring up emotion when they see my work.
I dont want to do portrait photography, I want to shoot fine art. I want to stirr the soul.
So this is the reason why I ask for critique. I want to hear what the general concencous is...

personally i prefer the 1st one i like the contrast , 2nd one seems like its missing something

Apparently "the wrong side of the tracks..." metaphor was missed by some posters. It reminds me of some of the small canal towns nearby. There are literally economic divisions made by the canal and adjacent railroad tracks. Again, nice shots.

we are of course, that's why this image was posted in the 'photo sharing' section.