"Loss and Gain" - poetry and a photo essay on a graffiti-covered mural in decay

fading and decaying mural covered with graffiti There is a mural in our town which was painted long ago and at some point the maintenance of it was discontinued, letting it fade and flake away. Over the years, graffiti has been added, making for a visual mix of decay and destruction on top of the original childrens' art mural. From afar it may look like a mess, but upon close inspection, there are areas of visual intrigue and beauty.

A poem that seems to reflect this theme of opposites is Loss and Gain by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet who lived from 1807–1882. We will reprint the poem below, along with our photo essay of this neglected mural.

Loss and Gain

When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.

I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.

But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

outdoor mural photo essay about loss and gain

photograph of a fading and peeling mural

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