And here, for a moment, sort of a break from the tension. You give us simply the colors, the lovemaking and, of course, the ever-present power of memory. Beautiful.
Your mention of Saturn in this lovely chapter made me think of Sebald: "Memories lie slumbering within us for months and years, quietly proliferating, until they are woken by some trifle and in some strange way blind us to life.”
"Perspective places the viewer in an unsafe space. Vermeer’s camera obscura gave him a nearly photographic external view that he kept secret because, perhaps, he feared the repercussions. Matisse’s shifting perspective risked the accusation of “beast.”
Perspective in life can be a gift richer than gold, but can also ruin us if we can only see through one lens.
Those wonderfully powerful receptors we are gifted, that they can evoke a memory an exquisite gift you have used so alluringly, "Like the scent of apples and pears—her skin" especially to one who is lost in the memory of a love.
Feeling this space open up in Robert as he is haunted by the memory of Lena, her repressed expression with him, not just as a person but as a spectrum of colors—especially the consuming colors of fire. Seeing/owning his own oppressiveness feels both intimate and dangerous. Beautiful, provocative writing, as always Mary.
And here, for a moment, sort of a break from the tension. You give us simply the colors, the lovemaking and, of course, the ever-present power of memory. Beautiful.
Your mention of Saturn in this lovely chapter made me think of Sebald: "Memories lie slumbering within us for months and years, quietly proliferating, until they are woken by some trifle and in some strange way blind us to life.”
W.G. Sebald, The Rings of Saturn
Ah, to be in the same sentence with Sebald! xx
"Perspective places the viewer in an unsafe space. Vermeer’s camera obscura gave him a nearly photographic external view that he kept secret because, perhaps, he feared the repercussions. Matisse’s shifting perspective risked the accusation of “beast.”
Perspective in life can be a gift richer than gold, but can also ruin us if we can only see through one lens.
Oh, Susan, exactly. What a reader you are!
Those wonderfully powerful receptors we are gifted, that they can evoke a memory an exquisite gift you have used so alluringly, "Like the scent of apples and pears—her skin" especially to one who is lost in the memory of a love.
Gorgeous writing Mary... always. xx
So like you, Susie, to write a comment whose eloquence speaks so graciously. xx
Feeling this space open up in Robert as he is haunted by the memory of Lena, her repressed expression with him, not just as a person but as a spectrum of colors—especially the consuming colors of fire. Seeing/owning his own oppressiveness feels both intimate and dangerous. Beautiful, provocative writing, as always Mary.
Lovely -- and so beautifully stated, xx
always enjoy following your footprints in the sand
Oh, how lovely, Ellen! Such a grand metaphor for the writing.
Beautiful as always. Absolutely love this: The filigree of skin ...
Oh, Isabelle, so lovely to say this and to pull out a phrase while doing so ...
Some words stick with me longer than others. I remember a filigree ring not the filigree of skin, so you have created a striking image for me.