The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,
The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea,
The plowman homeward plods his weary way,
And leaves the world to darkness and to me. (1-4)
—Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard
Thomas Gray
Since reading this poem by Gray in 11th-grade English class, I have paid particular attention to the quiet of church yards. Country churchyards were plentiful during my early childhood days in rural Virginia. In cities, they are more rare. Even in places where there is no lack of noise and activity, churchyards offer a peaceful escape.
I came across this church in late afternoon as the sun was leaving for the day. Despite its location in the middle of Decatur, the quiet was undisturbed.
This is a beautiful shot. I love how the tree branches frame around the church.
Thanks! I wanted the trees to frame the steeple. I had to nearly kneel in the street to get the shot.
The things we do to get the shots we want
Indeed!