Hiding place
Sapling #17
We learn that that which runs parallel will never touch.
Like heaven and earth lie forever side by side. Like reflections settle, cheek to cheek, separated by a single line.
We resign ourselves to how the veins run and solidify. What is lovelier than how I see myself in you, and how you know yourself reflected in me?
But mirrors are hiding places, like old notebooks shut upon memories that don’t please us.
The depths of the reservoir would much rather imagine themselves clear sky, visited by the occasional passing cloud, or even the gloomy grey trailing low curtains or rain.
With immense walls the lake holds its mass. Swimming in reservoirs is done at one’s own peril. Too many sudden changes of temperature, too many whirling currents, there where the light never comes. The peaceful reflection offers no assurances.
There always dawns a day when the seasons turn. When the wind ravages the surface and the tremors are felt all the way down to the roots of rock.
In the face of this force unleashed we have no option but to abandon all resistance, and let go.
Like leaves will give in eventually, and even the strongest dam will break.
The SAPLING series is a joint project with artist and illustrator Jurgen Walschot.
Saplings are creative sprouts. I will write to the images, he will draw to the words.
