Here’s the twenty-second entry in our stories and photos series. Has it conjured two different ideas for each of us? After reading our stories, please tell us what comes to your mind as you look at this photo of the charred remains of an old house. We’d really like to know what feelings it carries for you.
Susan says, “This is an old home, very much like mine, with narrow wooden siding and an overhanging roof. It was collatoral damage in an arson fire started in the building next to it. The fire burned very hot and lit up the early morning sky. It flattened the intended target and killed a lot of trees, too. This building was damaged beyond salvation. But, look how there is some beauty in the wreckage. The fire has made an abstract work of art by creating random shapes in the charred wood.”
Lucia says: “I agree with Susan, but I’d like to add to it the unseen damage that comes with fire. Luckily everyone one escaped the fire. But in addition to blistered paint of neighboring houses and scorched trees, are there psychological repercussions? Imagine the fear the people experienced along with the despair of losing their homes. Do they have nightmares as a result? Arson effects a lot more than property. I’d also like to elaborate on Susan’s perception of “beauty in the wreckage”. As the photographer, that was my first attraction to this scene. I wanted to create an abstract from the charcoal colored shapes combined with the diagonal streaks of rain. Yes, I did see beauty in it.”
This time, we had the same reaction to a photo. What does it say to you? Think about how you might use this photo and your story in a presentation.
