For a town that was built around the fishing industry, it was inevitable that through the years, men would perish at sea. The homes facing the water have "widow's watches" and "widow's walks", and every year, the names of men and ships continue to be added to this memorial. Last year, one. 2014, one. It's a striking memorial, stark, and not unlike other memorials where names have been etched.
I went out early this morning to capture light at the other end of the spectrum. The morning sun offered long blue shadows, but would not allow me to look into its face.
(Just noticed that "W" is in the lower right corner if there's any doubt where the sun is rising!)
Great capture. I remember this well. I have a photo very similar to this one that was taken when you and Ken walked around Lunenburg with us and pointed out all the interesting sights.,,, and sites.
Such an impressive memorial. I really like your pov and composition. A great tribute to all those poor men. Sad to see so many names from the same family. On the up side, great that only one was added last year!
I find it difficult to comment this. The pic. is beautiful but the tribute and statue are so sad. Those poor people . I know, we have famous songs and even a famous musical about the hard fisherman life and those who`s died . ( I started my going to sea by being a fisherman) But the confrontation makes me feel sad and thought full. Greatpic. to take a little time to commemorate.
@pyrrhula I can respect the deep feeling you have about a memorial like this, Ferry! As someone who cannot watch a movie like "The Perfect Storm" nor even the tv shows about fishing for King Crabs, I fear the wrath of the ocean in heavy waves. On the other hand, I've been a scuba diver and adore the tranquility of the ocean...if it were to take me at that time, I wouldn't feel scared. In a small town like this, fishermen go to sea to bring us the seafood we all love, so perhaps they are not paid well enough for the work they do! We, however, are respectful of their effort and appreciate the job they do, though they sometimes have little choice to do otherwise in a small town.
These are stunning in their simplicity. I like how they reflect the homes, the life that continues to go on around them. Interesting too how well the lettering on the dark side of the center pillar is visible. A foreground pillar must be reflecting the morning sunlight back on it. You captured this so nicely.
I really enjoyed your "ramblings" about train ride memories! I liked the "train of thought" line too — good one. Peering in through the windows of the old train station, I could see where the dining counter once was, and the impressive waiting area and the baggage claim booth. If you squint just a little, I swear you can see people moving around too, dressed to the nines in the fabulous styles of those by-gone days...
I find these places calming, it's sad, but it makes me think of how the people who's names are on memorials such as this had people who missed them, how they will be remembered for the sacrifices they made. I try to look at is as a representation of human relationships. The ones that all have the same last name make me sad.
@spikez Thanks for the most thoughtful reflection on this site. In this town, there are many old family names, so yes, sadly, on such a memorial, you're looking at relationships. Like you, I never see "one name" that I don't think of the number of people who grieved.
I really enjoyed your "ramblings" about train ride memories! I liked the "train of thought" line too — good one. Peering in through the windows of the old train station, I could see where the dining counter once was, and the impressive waiting area and the baggage claim booth. If you squint just a little, I swear you can see people moving around too, dressed to the nines in the fabulous styles of those by-gone days...