SOUL AFLAME
THREE LITTLE WORDS
Posted by SOUL AFLAME (The bosom of Mother Nature, United Kingdom) on 26 July 2010 in Architecture and Portfolio.
THREE LITTLE WORDS
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The weeds now flourish where once tender hearts soared and flew like doves on the wing. We were wide eyed and full of the joys of youthful exuberance as hand in hand we ran along the corridors of these ruins, hearts pounding like drums within the confines of our exhausted bodies as we fell laughing to the soft earth beneath us.
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I held you in my arms, flesh clammy to the touch and warm from the sun rays which cloaked us like a protective mothers hands, and tenderly I kissed your soft lips as your eyes glistened in the light of those glorious mid summer afternoons that we shared so contentedly. Like a butterfly you blossomed and bloomed, your flowing locks and fragile complexion that haunt me to this very day. And here I stand, decades down the pathway of my own journey, a different man and yet the very same one that you knew and loved so long ago.
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We lay beneath the mighty oak on the perimeter of the courtyard where the flowers grew so tall and strong, for hours on end we talked and touched, we surmised the wealth of possibility which lay at our feet, we contemplated all and everything, something and nothing, we explored and examined, laughed and loved. I remember the sunlight through your pretty white dress, the allure of your form as you teased me in both words and deeds, how you held me captivated, prisoner to your love, a slave to my desires, submissive and willing. You were my Queen and I, your King as we pretended these ruins were our own castle fortress to ward away the perils of life and lock in the love that we shared.
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The gardens are as beautiful as ever I recall in those days of our youth, though the corridors are battered and bruised by the elements and the ruins are as run down as my ageing bones and frail limbs these days. I stand in the spot where I told you that I loved you so, and a smile forms upon my lips as I recall you placing a single finger upon them and whispering softly in my ear.
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" Those three words are like angels from Heaven, around us and within, we should cherish them and keep them close to our hearts for one day we will truly come to understand their beauty and meaning, their relevance and significance in our lives "
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I never really understood what you said to me that day, bathing in the beauty of your eyes and longing to hold you, as you moved away towards the glistening lake where we sat and talked for hours that day. Like a butterfly, you captivated both eyes and soul, you touched my heart and left an indelible imprint upon my being that stands as the legacy of your existence, and our life together. The years have passed and here I stand once more in the place we called our own. Time and hindsight have given me the opportunity of coming to terms with what you said to me that day, and those three words come back to mind in a heart now experienced and world weary, a travelled soul and contented mind with the benefit of lifelong learning and contemplation.
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I gently lay the single red rose clutched within my clammy palm, upon the window of the ruins where I proposed to you back in the summer of Fifty five, as I have done so since you joined the angels those five short years ago. Thank you for those fifty years in which you made my life complete. You are always with me.
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You were loved, and always shall be.
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Written July 25th 2010
Photograph taken in the Gardens at Scotney Castle, Kent, England, on July 3rd 2010.
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Nikon D700 20mm 1/125s f/11.0 iso200
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8. Uv Filter. MetaGPS geotag
Latitude: 51 5\'29.808"N
Longitude: 0 24\'40.362"E
12.18mb RAW file at 14bit Adobe RGB, converted to Jpeg and processed with Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 software.
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(Photograph and words: © SOUL AFLAME/PAUL WILLIAMS rights reserved)
BOOK NEWS.....BOOK NEWS.....BOOK NEWS.....BOOK NEWS.....BOOK NEWS.....BOOK NEWS.....BOOK NEWS
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A 160 page deluxe hardback book of my photography and writing, entitled "DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES", was published on June 8th 2010. The book can be viewed here as a fifteen page taster: http://www.blurb.com/books/1408107
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My second book, 'WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE' featuring more photographs and writing is well underway, scheduled for release late 2010, and I am considering rewriting and publishing a short novel written in 2008 about the brutal life and story behind a fading assassin called 'BLOODSTONE'.Thanks to everyone who has followed my work and offered valuable support, inspiration and advice along the way.
Alun from cheshire, United Kingdom
Lovely view though the square window, love the textures
26 Jul 2010 5:22am
@Alun: Many thanks, Alun. The ruins really captured my eye that day, so hauntingly beautiful.
@Kala: Thank you, Kala.
Pavan Kaul from Mumbai, India
"....a different man and yet the very same one that you knew and loved so long ago...." How beautiful those words are...for isn't that what happens to us all...sad but inevitable...the law of impermanence, change being the only constant! A lovely tale of love and life Paul, and a brilliant image, as a window into the heart and soul of a man! Fabulous!!
26 Jul 2010 6:02am
@Pavan Kaul: You always manage to get right to that heart and soul of what I am trying to create in words and image, Pavan. Thanks so much for truly reading those words and seeing the connection of the heart and soul and the window to another dimension. Yes, we all change along the way on the journey of our life, whether we wish to admit to that or not. And yet, within our heart and soul we can be exactly who we were all along, with perhaps more knowledge, worldliness and perhaps a little more cynicism as we encounter emotions and pain, sadness and loss along the way. Thanks so much for your visit and comment my friend.
JANINE from kent, United Kingdom
There you go again,such lovely writing bringing a tear to my eyes yet again.You write such beautiful tender stories.Picture is great! want to go through that window and explore.Love the photos that you've taken of Scotney Castle i must visit it myself sometime.Absolutley brilliant Paul 10 out of 10.
26 Jul 2010 6:03am
@JANINE: Thank you so much Janine. Now, I would not want to be accused of deliberately making a lady cry, but if this piece brought a tear, then it shows perhaps that my writing made that connection with you that I always hope for with my reader, and also that you have a kind heart. Scotney Castle and grounds are simply wonderful, and if you take a picnic, you can easily spend a full day there in the summer, enjoying the scenic beauty, the wonder of the ruins and the ambiance of the location, I really recommend that you pay a visit.
Thank you for taking the time to read my words, that means a great deal to me. Enjoy your day.
Xerophytes from London, United Kingdom
Great play!
You really brought up a great interpretation out of a simple shot
26 Jul 2010 7:12am
@Xerophytes: Many thanks, Xerophytes. It's a great location and you have the feeling that the couple who once owned it and lived here, might very well still be there in spirit form.
Philip from JoBurg, South Africa
Well framed within a frame nice work, again the words that go with your photos are inspiring :)
26 Jul 2010 9:31am
@Philip: That's so nice of you to say so, Philip. Many thanks for dropping by.
Pat from United Kingdom
Here I am, taking 5 at work and you have moved me to tears yet again.
Such beautiful words, so moving. If only everyone could have 50 wonderful years!
Beautiful image to go with the words too.
26 Jul 2010 10:40am
@Pat: Two lot's of tears is more than I could have hoped for from one written piece, and please me very much as that connection was made. It's a fabulous location and the ruins look so impressive against the lake and trees. It must have been so wonderful for the couple who lived and loved here. Thanks for taking the time to read my words, Pat, and for your visit.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
took my breath away you did, but then you always do. What you wrote touched something in me that is precious, and that is the memory of Love. The photo , well I knew immediately what was in store, and I took in a deep breath and read.
I waited a while, then i did something that I probably had not right to do but I was under a spell. So I copied this text and pasted it on that link that tells people/writers who they write like, and I know It's none of my business but I couldn't resist...you are awesome...do You want to know who you write like Paul?
26 Jul 2010 11:48am
@Lorraine: I'm delighted that you enjoyed todays piece, Lorraine. Ah yes, you know me well enough by now and love, relationships, sadness and loss, memories and happiness all feature so much in my written words because I feel they are so fundamentally what our lives are all about. We push through the pain and grief and temper the sadness with the joy and laughter, the happiness and memories that make us who we are.
I hate to think who I write like, and whoever it is, it's an insult to THEM! ha ha
Thanks so much for reading my words today, Lorraine.
Thea from Leeuwarden, Netherlands
As always..impressed by your words..touched by the picture that goes só very well
with it..moving feelings,and isn't that the greatest thing? Thank you!!
26 Jul 2010 11:49am
@Thea: You are exceptionally kind Thea and thanks so much for taking the time to read my words.
@Becky: Thanks Becky.
@jamesy: I'm going to get a reputation for upsetting people soon.. ha ha
Thanks for taking the time to read the words, Debbie.
WUZ from United Kingdom
I admit to being the third one in tears reading thoes lovely words today. To share 50 years together is something really special, the love and memories shared, the sadness of losing the other half of you. I find now l look at your picture and try to work out what your words will say.......... Words and picture lovely Paul.
26 Jul 2010 9:26pm
@WUZ: Now that could be interesting with a shot that I'm working on right now, Wuz. I'll say no more until it's finished! Glad you liked today's piece. It was the location that spawned the idea and the couple who lived there for so many years until one partner died. The memories and ghosts that must have remained, and hopefully the spirit of the departed in every inch of the grounds after so many years together. Thanks for taking the time to read those words and for visiting.
Susan from Pompano Beach, FL, USA from Pompano Beach, United States
Well, not tears here, but surely, a feeling in the pit of stomach, that to have loved like that must be such a joy, and then such a sorrow once lost........The emotion in this piece pulls at the heartstrings........I'm dying to learn who Lorraine thinks you write like......I think you write, just like my friend, paul williams.......
26 Jul 2010 11:31pm
@Susan from Pompano Beach, FL, USA: Yes, Lorraine put my name into the computer and it came back laughing "Are you kidding me lady, there's nobody on the planet who writes as badly as this guy!" I like to be compared with Paul Williams, we have many things in common and I believe I met him once or twice...... ha ha
The sorrow amd joy aspect of the piece really mirrors my fascination for writing about life and the experiences and emotions that we all go through on the journey. That's possibly one of the reasons why I've never been accepted or mainstream popular I guess, becuase I can sometimes make people uncomfortable if they don't want to think about their emotions and inner thoughts. Someone on AM3 stopped visiting me a while back saying that they found my writing far too 'flowery', which hit me hard because if anything my writing to me at least, is very dark and deep, quite the opposite of flowery. I'll add them to the list of those who were not impressed. Hey ho.
WUZ from United Kingdom
"Flowery" I cant agree with that. as time has gone on your words have been of quiet a serious side of life...Growing up.....Lost Love.....Death and even a bit of humour. Dont change a thing.......we like what flows from your pen onto that paper.
27 Jul 2010 10:23am
@WUZ: Thanks Wuz, that's very nice of you to say so. I'm too old and set in my ways to change my style now, and although it's never brought me success or fame, I still very much enjoy writing about deep and dark subject matter, life, love, emotions and loss which I firmly believe bind us all together in this life.
Susan from Pompano Beach, by Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Someone actually called your writing "flowery" ??? I can think of many ways I'd describe it....but "flowery" certainly wouldn't be included !!! And maybe here's a part of why I enjoy your stuff so much...... I am not a fan of "comedy", either in TV shows, movies, or books........I tend to the more serious, dramatic stuff........give me a good, thick, book that's full of woe, and misery, and I'm a happy girl!!!!
27 Jul 2010 2:35pm
@Susan: You might just like Friday's post, Susan. I've just written it and it's pretty tough with a warning as it carries some strong language, something I've never used before in an AM3 post, but relevant to the storyline, and relevant to my writing as many of my novels were very hard hitting, so it's a temporary return to what I used to enjoy writing.
Susan from Pompano Beach, FL, USA from Pompano Beach, United States
i'm going out of town friday, but before i leave, and embark on "intermittent internet access", i will get on here friday morning, to check out your post !!!!
28 Jul 2010 1:06am
@Susan from Pompano Beach, FL, USA: Hope I don't disappoint now, Susan. I've done the big lead in and might now fall flat on my face! ha ha
Marcie from Newton, United States
Your writing is so heartfelt...so absolutely beautiful!!
28 Jul 2010 11:34am
@Marcie: That's so nice of you to say so MS, thank you. Yes, I'm a very romantic, emotional man and I always hope that my feelings and thoughts come through in my words in ways small and large.
@Marie: Many thanks, Marie.
Luca Bobbiesi from Milano, Italy
This is an excellent framing, I like also the use of black and white for this kind of scene.
28 Jul 2010 12:39pm
@Luca Bobbiesi: Thank you Luca, I'm delighted that you like this one. Yes, I really prefer mono for architectural shots and felt that it worked best with this subject matter.
love
loss
memories
ruins
castle
rose
marriage
death
grief
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