7. Burning Bridges.

"This bridge was nearly 100 years old, likely built by the folk that cleared this land after the war. Three giant gum trees, the size and likes of which are rare to be found these days, felled and wedged across the waterway. With a good serving of dirt packed over time to create a seamless land bridge. Able to withstand flood waters and as big a piece of machinery as needed to be driven over it. But not a fire, at least not one like this. The burning of this bridge created a severance between two halves of our land, representing two halves of our family. Each living on opposing sides. To this day we've had 4 subsequent attempts and rebuilding it, each one was destroyed by the ravaging floods that were to follow the fire in the years after. Parallel to this have been major disputes between us, and I find myself wondering if the symbolism of this burnt bridge is to blame, or at least as a physical representation. As we have worked through our differences, so too has now at least, enough of a foot bridge been created as to be able to walk across. So too has been mended our relationships, at least well enough to get on with things. One day I hope to have the means to rebuild this mighty symbol of union to its former glory. Then too, I believe, will we again be strong in our kinship. As a symbol of the journey in all it's aspects."

Photography by Jay Moon, during the Australian wildfires; November 2019. #7 of 15. All funds generated go toward the ongoing recovery.