This too shall pass

The Story

I've heard this phrase many times over the years. It's one of those phrases that can be comforting while at the same time excruciating if trotted out at the wrong time by the wrong person.

I was having a really bad day the day this photo was taken. I was stressed out and worried. I was panickedly running around because I absolutely HAD to get to Kew for a certain time and I was convinced the tube driver was deliberately going slow just to mess with my head.

I'd taken my camera with me because I knew I was going down to Kew it's always so photogenic, but it poured rain. Then when it stopped and I had started taking a few photos, sod's law kicked in when the low battery warning came on just as the sun properly came out.

It really felt like the entire world was against me by that point. I was miserable and cranky and on the verge of tears, and then I saw this bench.

At first it was the shape that attracted me - a circular construction of shiny black metal strips folded back on themselves, but as I got up close, I noticed the blue sky and sunlight reflected in the raindrops, and like a cheesy self help tape in my head, in popped the phrase "this too shall pass".

It's cheesy and a cliche because it's true. It's just something I need to remember more often.

The Logistics

Location: Kew Station, London

Date Taken: 21 October 2005

The Technical Details

Camera: Nikon D50
Metering: Matrix
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: F5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/125sec
Focal Length: 31mm
Sensitivity: ISO 400

Comments

Striking. Just striking.

Posted by: Em³ on 2 November 2005 at 21:23

Wow, I have to agree. You get sucked in right away and the lines lead you through. Really nice work.

Posted by: jyoseph on 10 November 2005 at 02:11