“Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean,
Tears from the depths of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,
In looking on the happy autumn fields,
And thinking of the days that are no more.”
― Alfred Lord Tennyson

The barn is long gone, but the memory of this view remains etched upon my memories. It stood for many years on the farm where my wife grew up. The building weathered many storms, sheltered livestock, feed, and equipment under its expansive roof. My first memories of the barn where when I helped bring in the hay on a sweltering summer day and seeing the shafts of sunlight,streaming through knot holes, shining on the straw covered floor, and a single dim light bulb, high above our heads

I’ve looked out this doorway many times and my wife recounts her childhood memories of playing in the barn and seeing this same view over many years. The barn door, acts as a frame in this composition, focusing us on a rural scene, which could be almost anywhere. The difference, to my wife and family, is this was ‘home’. A place of business, of fun, and most importantly, of family. The view to the west was often the indicator of incoming weather and the canvas upon which nature painted many a stunning sunset.

My father-in-law, Maurice, passed away last week at the age of 93. As I look at this photo, my mind drifts to days past and a smile comes to my face at the thought that he too must have enjoyed this same view throughout his working days on the farm.

Nikon D300
Tamron 17.0-50.0 mm f/2.8 @ 20mm
1/250 sec, f/14, ISO 200

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http://www.edlehming.com