On the wind-swept plains of northwest Oklahoma, a proud old windmill stands its ground and tirelessly goes about its business as it always has, perhaps since the days before electricity ever made it to the farms and ranches scattered over the red dirt, sand and scrub brush pastures of Woodward County, Oklahoma. It seems oblivious to the army of giants standing behind it churning away high up in the blue skies well above its head.
I shot the picture a few years ago on a trip back to reconnect with the place where I grew up. Where we would ride our Hondas on lazy weekends along little trails like those seen leading to the water, long before there was a “skyline”, and the only things to dodge as we raced across the pastures were cattle.
I look at this picture and think how ironic it is that while those towering turbines are generating electricity to power countless farmhouses, ranch houses, and businesses, there is no power line leading to that well for an electric pump to put the old windmill out of a job.
A young adult of the 21st century might think that little windmill is an anachronism, out of place in a modern world. But, I see it as a reminder that while the world is ever-changing, and there’s no stopping progress, those of us who are of a certain age still have something to contribute.
I think of that little windmill as a reminder to those who are younger, bigger, and stronger that someone came before them and laid the foundation for their own modern innovations.
Also, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Camera: Canon 80D
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-135
