If walls could speak

If walls could speak
they’d speak in whispers


of sad tales of orphans and delinquent girls lost

of convicts with gunpowder, quarrying stone

and prison views across the bay


of warehouses on water 
and winds which whistle down the Heads. 


They’d speak of Ship Builders and Joiners’ shops


and of utter isolation and decay.


Of dark light pushing through


…of lonely gulls waiting for a mate

… and of freedom, broken by iron bars.


If walls could speak 

they’d echo broken spirits and endless summer days


followed by desolate nights.


They’d tell of tattered hearts amongst navy ships and dark shadows


… and of walls…
walls of sandstone
walls of brick
walls of iron 
walls of wood.

 


But walls don’t speak here,
For you see …
 
 
 it’s all plainly written on their faces.
 


© 2013 Francesca Muir

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13 comments

  • Virginia January 10, 2013   Reply →

    WOW, what an amazing series of photographs and powerful words. Masterful job F.
    xx
    V

  • The Cape Club January 11, 2013   Reply →

    Brilliantly portrayed.. I felt its despair and loss.. thank you F, for time you took with your amazing photography, and the beautiful words you selected so wisely for each image.. amazing.. Well done! x j

  • Francesca Muir January 11, 2013   Reply →

    Thank you Jean and Virginia – it is an amazing place with ghosts on ghosts on ghosts! I am always moved when I visit it. F xx

  • bagnidilucca January 12, 2013   Reply →

    I am not familiar with Sydney…where is this?

  • Beautiful sandstone and what stories these walls and bars tell. Where is it? You are making me harbour-sick again! Xcat

  • Francesca Muir January 12, 2013   Reply →

    Oh Cat so sorry – It's Cockatoo Island a short ferry trip from the Quay – it's beautiful but I find it very haunting! Love from a sweltering Sydney xx

  • Francesca Muir January 12, 2013   Reply →

    Debra it's Cockatoo Island – next time you are in Sydney I will take you there – worth the short ferry trip. Keep cool. F x

  • lisa | renovating italy January 12, 2013   Reply →

    I think we both hear the whispers Fran and feel the soul x
    beautiful post xx
    ciao lisa

  • Eva Inathens-Greece January 13, 2013   Reply →

    Great photos and lovely post, Francesca!

  • Francesca Muir January 13, 2013   Reply →

    Thank you Lisa – I do believe we do! Hope you have a better week. Fxx

  • Francesca Muir January 13, 2013   Reply →

    Thank you Eva – Give my love to Athens F x

  • I love these shots Fran.

  • Francesca Muir March 29, 2016   Reply →

    Thank you xx

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