I Gave...

This image is from a local road trip through southern Illinois.

Could have been about five years ago to the day.

Places I had never been, no map, just driving aimlesly for a weekend.

All alone, just me and some film and a few dollars.

Seeking inspiration, answering to whatever called.

I asked a very close friend of mine

who has a certain way with words

to put a few together for this image,

this is what he came up with, bravo.

I Gave
I gave…For years and years
Your keep, your slave
Once you leaned upon me
Though now I lean away
Did I disappoint you?
Forgive me, it’s my age
Now I stand here empty, hollow
Since you’ve walked away
The dirt beneath has claimed me
With its vines that pull each day
Until at last it takes me down
into my earthly grave

Mathew Werner 03/05

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This was shot with an ancient twin lens reflex camera on color film, un-manipulated.

It looks almost like a black and white shot.

A testament to how dreadfully overcast and dreary it was.

I found it moving, nonetheless. Then struck out in search of sunshine.