I know these old farms, buildings caving in, giving way to what will come next. On our farm, my father's farm, the old barn is hanging on. My father has cared for it over the years, but other buildings have collapsed and been removed. They are like people, even the best of us must eventually fall in on ourselves and return to the earth......but actually, what I just wrote isn't so. Most of the buildings I remember are intact, even the old chicken coop where I used to play with the chickens. And the old "garage" building, and the corn crib. Really, it's amazing. So....some of us last longer than others. And I'm never quite sure how I feel when I see and old barn falling in.......probably because I've seen far too many old houses falling in. Still do in fact.
It's amazing how some structures manage to hold on. I find all abandoned buildings and structures fascinating - each in their own way. Farmland here has a lot of old and deteriorating infrastructure. A few reasons - the steady trend towards larger properties. Small family farms can't compete, and either go out of production or are swallowed up by larger farms, and the old homesteads are left to decay.
Also changing technology - making many old barns and sheds rand silos redundant. Better materials and designs are replacing them, but no-one knocks down and removes the old tech, so it just sits there, becoming something else. The same with houses. The early homes here were very basic indeed, and can't really be modernised, so families built new - better homes - in later generations.
Changes in farm use, also, meaning a building built for one purpose is no longer needed when the farm moves to a new crop, or from cropping to pasture, or out of production entirely.... There used to be dairy farms around here, for example - but they have now all gone
Maybe these are similar factors in your own country?
I don't have a personal link with any farmland. Growing up on your parent's farm must give you an acute sense of ... well... all kinds of things.
Excuse the brief comment as I rush through trying to catch up. “bleached wood, peeling paint, iron oxide”, that’s basically a list of my favourite photographic subjects. A wonderful poem, mate, thanks for sharing.
I have to do this🥰🥰 - Allow me to extend this invitation. I know you'd love this, I'm hosting our editorial Issue XV: FEELINGS.
This one’s all heart, exciting, no rules, no structure — just a one stanza poem on pure emotion: joy, ache, nostalgia, warmth, whatever lives inside your chest right now. Let’s feel together. Stay wild, stay feeling.
The poetry paired with this images just makes you feel so Vintage and Wonderful. You really have an amazing talent It’s awesome. I’m getting to you today and your work.
You should visit.... Like your own country, Australia is a vast place, covering a wide range of latitudes, climates and ecosystems. Unlike the USA, most of the interior is only thinly populated. Our total population is only around 26 million and most of that is concentrated around the coast.
I lived in the central Australian deserts for quite a few years, and some of those landscapes and experiences are detailed in Posts here on Substack. A little like parts of Nevada, but also very very different...
Thank you for being the human who stops for turtles, Dave. Of course you do! These photos were really breathtaking and I was hoping to see a kangaroo popping his or her head up because you create such visuals with your prose.
Ah! I must post a turtle pic some time. Which means I have to take one, and I have never thought to do that.
I do have some nice kanga pics, which may turn up here eventually. Meanwhile, if you didn't see it in March, here is a link to my short video of meeting wild (but also very chill) kangaroos on a walking track around the coast. It's a narrow path and I didn't want to disturb them. There were actually 4 when I turned up, but two of them helpfully moved aside before I started filming.
They are usually quite gentle - and very intelligent too. When I lived in the remote Tanami desert I had the privilege of raising several orphaned joeys. They are truly adorable .....
And - knowing you - that shack juxtaposes perfectly with the vegetation here and our prehistoric Waterdragons and Birds. I love the way you meditate on the nuances of all. X
I know these old farms, buildings caving in, giving way to what will come next. On our farm, my father's farm, the old barn is hanging on. My father has cared for it over the years, but other buildings have collapsed and been removed. They are like people, even the best of us must eventually fall in on ourselves and return to the earth......but actually, what I just wrote isn't so. Most of the buildings I remember are intact, even the old chicken coop where I used to play with the chickens. And the old "garage" building, and the corn crib. Really, it's amazing. So....some of us last longer than others. And I'm never quite sure how I feel when I see and old barn falling in.......probably because I've seen far too many old houses falling in. Still do in fact.
Hi my friend...
It's amazing how some structures manage to hold on. I find all abandoned buildings and structures fascinating - each in their own way. Farmland here has a lot of old and deteriorating infrastructure. A few reasons - the steady trend towards larger properties. Small family farms can't compete, and either go out of production or are swallowed up by larger farms, and the old homesteads are left to decay.
Also changing technology - making many old barns and sheds rand silos redundant. Better materials and designs are replacing them, but no-one knocks down and removes the old tech, so it just sits there, becoming something else. The same with houses. The early homes here were very basic indeed, and can't really be modernised, so families built new - better homes - in later generations.
Changes in farm use, also, meaning a building built for one purpose is no longer needed when the farm moves to a new crop, or from cropping to pasture, or out of production entirely.... There used to be dairy farms around here, for example - but they have now all gone
Maybe these are similar factors in your own country?
I don't have a personal link with any farmland. Growing up on your parent's farm must give you an acute sense of ... well... all kinds of things.
Best Wishes - Dave
Hi Dave,
Excuse the brief comment as I rush through trying to catch up. “bleached wood, peeling paint, iron oxide”, that’s basically a list of my favourite photographic subjects. A wonderful poem, mate, thanks for sharing.
UK Dave
I have to do this🥰🥰 - Allow me to extend this invitation. I know you'd love this, I'm hosting our editorial Issue XV: FEELINGS.
This one’s all heart, exciting, no rules, no structure — just a one stanza poem on pure emotion: joy, ache, nostalgia, warmth, whatever lives inside your chest right now. Let’s feel together. Stay wild, stay feeling.
RJ ♥️
Hi Ral
Sincere thanks for the invitation. This would be for "Planet Ral"?
My second last post - "The Sadness" - is a one stanza poem on exactly that - sadness.
https://davidkirkby.substack.com/p/the-sadness?r=471m47
I will see what else I have - or maybe write something new.
Best Wishes - Dave :)
The poetry paired with this images just makes you feel so Vintage and Wonderful. You really have an amazing talent It’s awesome. I’m getting to you today and your work.
I'm Ral, it's a pleasure meeting you.♥️
Hi Ral
Thank you! I'm delighted that you enjoyed the Post.
The freedom to pair words with my photography, or with art created by my partner, Meg, is a key reason I have stayed with Substack.
Pleased to meet you too.
Best Wishes - Dave :)
So beautifully penned, David. Makes me want to visit Australia to experience this beautiful landscape.
Good morning Maya
Thank you!
You should visit.... Like your own country, Australia is a vast place, covering a wide range of latitudes, climates and ecosystems. Unlike the USA, most of the interior is only thinly populated. Our total population is only around 26 million and most of that is concentrated around the coast.
I lived in the central Australian deserts for quite a few years, and some of those landscapes and experiences are detailed in Posts here on Substack. A little like parts of Nevada, but also very very different...
Best Wishes - Dave :)
Thank you for being the human who stops for turtles, Dave. Of course you do! These photos were really breathtaking and I was hoping to see a kangaroo popping his or her head up because you create such visuals with your prose.
Recalibrating. Ahhhh...yes.
Ah! I must post a turtle pic some time. Which means I have to take one, and I have never thought to do that.
I do have some nice kanga pics, which may turn up here eventually. Meanwhile, if you didn't see it in March, here is a link to my short video of meeting wild (but also very chill) kangaroos on a walking track around the coast. It's a narrow path and I didn't want to disturb them. There were actually 4 when I turned up, but two of them helpfully moved aside before I started filming.
They are usually quite gentle - and very intelligent too. When I lived in the remote Tanami desert I had the privilege of raising several orphaned joeys. They are truly adorable .....
D :)
Oh they are amazing! Thank you thank you.
The black and white photo, followed by the same in colour… as if your poem brought it alive. That was my thought anyway. Was that intended?
Ah!!! Dear Susan!
You are right, of course. That is what I hoped....
Or rather, once I started that is what I realised I wanted to do.
Your thought is perceptive.... no surprise to me, having read so much of your own work.
Best Wishes - Dave :)
And - knowing you - that shack juxtaposes perfectly with the vegetation here and our prehistoric Waterdragons and Birds. I love the way you meditate on the nuances of all. X
:)
❤️🌸❤️xxxxxxxxx ❤️🌺❤️
Good day, Dave. I absolutely love the work that you do to bring the Australian landscape to life. Superb stuff. - richard
Thank you my friend!!
So much to see. So much to write. So much to live....
Best Wishes - Dave :)
Long live turtles. Slowly they enjoy life longer.
🍷Here Here!!!!! 🍷
D :)
Ah, I love this poem, Dave! That opening took my breath away.
Dear Rebecca. You can't see my smile, but it is bright. Virtual hug now en-route to you. ETA - immediate.
Thank you!
Best Wishes - Dave
PS and thanks for the restack too.
what joy that virtual hugs arrive in the blink of an eye! I hope you feel mine back :)
There’s so much beauty in everything, and the course nature takes it all. Loved this piece!
Thank you, dear Hazel!
Yes and yes and yes.... Beauty everywhere, always transforming....
You see it too - I know!
Very Best Wishes - Dave :)