People, as a whole, share many common traits despite a global array of diversity and individuality. Despite our many differences everyone has hopes and dreams for their future. Some dreams are big; some are small. The pursuit of our hopes are sometimes hesitant steps forward while others are giant leaps of faith. Either way, sadly, not all dreams come true.
Dreams are not intangible. During my travels I often come across abandoned buildings. Urban decay is abundant but, perhaps due to its setting, does not trigger much emotion in me. However, an abandoned house or farm is quite different. Homes are personal and invoke feeling. What happened to that family? Did someone get sick? Did someone lose the paycheck that kept the place running? What dreams were so hopelessly abandoned? Circumstances can change your life, good or bad, in the blink of an eye.
Driving across central Maine last weekend I came across an empty, fallen in farm. Always on the lookout for a good photo opportunity I turned my Jeep around and pulled into what was once the driveway. Studying the old farm through my windshield I could feel something about this place was different than most. Structurally it was in tough shape but, its abandonment did not seem so long ago. The heavily grown up yard featured a mighty maple tree with a tire swing hanging lifelessly. Tables with household items still stacked on them stuck out of the 4 foot high grass alongside weathered signs for a giant yard sale. You could tell that at one time it was a pretty home full of life and hopes but, now, they were left to the elements. Shattered dreams.
Due to safety reasons and an overwhelming feeling of intrusion I rarely go inside such a place but, this one drew me in. I wanted some of the story. Standing in the remains of the kitchen I was surrounded by a household in tatters. Handwriting on the wall caught my attention. Names and numbers added life to the decay. Just beyond, ajar, stood the front door. Bright light poured in the broken entryway offering, perhaps, a new hope. Maybe some dreams die so that others may take life. Maybe.
Photograph What You Feel
Abandoned Dreams
Fuji X-T1
Fujinon 18-55 f4 lens
ISO: 200
APT: f7.1
EXP: ½ Second
Haaahahh. I’m not too bright today. Great post!