"Bridge"
You called me up on the phone today; Struggling with the right words to say.
Time can change a thing or two; Time has changed the lives of me and you,
But you know it could have been different dad.
The word brings back a sweet memory; I'm sitting on a bluff on a broken tree.
By my side a distinguished man; Giving me encouragement, telling me I can,
And you know you're not there.
You say, "Son, let's forget the past; I want another chance, gonna make it last."
You're begging me for a brand new start; Trying to mend a bridge that's been blown apart,
But you know you never built it dad.
So I sit here through the night; And I write myself to sleep; And time keeps ticking...
Time has made you finally realize; Your loneliness and your guilt inside.
You're reaching for something you never had, Turning around now you're looking back,
And you know I'm not there.
You say, "Son, let's forget the past; I want another chance, gonna make it last."
You're begging me for a brand new start; Trying to mend a bridge that's been blown apart,
But you know you never built it dad.
-Chris Degarmo, Queensryche
"Bridge" was captured at Baker Beach near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This was my ideal vantage point in getting my first pictures of the Golden Gate. However, I had to plan my shots carefully, as the
beach is "clothing optional" and I had to shoot between nudists on their summer stroll!
I have always loved the Golden Gate Bridge!
Now that I'm older I realize why it means so much to me. The Golden Gate represents a proud accomplishment to the people of San Francisco. Despite incredible difficulties and the loss of 11 workers in the process the bridge remains the focal point of San Francisco and its people.
For me though I see the Golden Gate as a shining example of what a relationship between a Father and Son or Daughter should be. Through much sacrifice and constant nurturing will your bridge with your children survive the constant stress than can occur with any family. On a sad note, almost 2,000 people have died by way of suicide from jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge...
For those of you who know me personally know that I never had the kind of relationship a son should have had with his Father and Mother. My parents never built a bridge with me. I held hostility deep inside until just a few years ago. But with age comes understanding, and now I know they truly did the best they could considering their circumstances and upbringing.
Now that I am older I now look at my relationship with my own children and wonder if I ever built the bridge with them. I know it's been blown apart a few times, but like the song says, "Did I ever build it to begin with? I guess only time will tell, and I try the best I can to mend it the only way I know how.
This picture of The Golden Gate Bridge is an offering to my children and to children across the world who have lived a similar situation as I did growing up. May your bridges always be Golden and your personal Gates always be open to communication in your relationships!