Gaol Love

While visiting the Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon last month we couldn’t help noticing old inscriptions left by actual inmates during World War I where it was used as a German internment camp. During the 50s and 60s the Gaol was also a popular romantic spot after dances and social events in town. The Gaol overlooks spectacular beaches – it’s even possible to spot whales in this beautiful part of Australia. I can imagine arm in arm walks amongst the ruins on a clear starry night.

Unfortunately, although the inscriptions are interesting from a historical perspective, people today still feel the need to also deface. Almost every cell wall is covered. However, I spotted this bit of graffiti which I couldn’t stop looking at.

A picture of youth and innocence as a new year is started. I wonder where these two people are now 42 years on? Are they alive? Are they still together? Did they marry? Did they actually have a relationship? Did Dianne know about Jeremy’s love? Did she even know he existed?

These two people would have been from my own parents’ generation whose own relationship is still going strong. Sadly nowadays, for any relationship to last that long is quite phenomenal. Still, I have hopes for Jeremy and Dianne. That they’re out there somewhere and that Dianne knew of Jeremy’s love. That she felt the same way and that they got married. That they had their ups and downs but they pulled through together. That they remembered what they wrote on New Year’s Day of 67 and came back to show their children.

And that Jeremy still loves Dianne.