THE FLIGHT OF IMAGINATION - 22 September 2011
22nd September 2011
We thought we were in for the night, last night, until we opened the big window and looking out to the west saw that the sun was beginning its descent. So, out we went. Joel with his large format Leica and me, handsfree. Joel was already heading toward the light, which from our street appeared to be down there, that's how high up our apartment is. But there are greater heights to go. I had just noticed, for the first time, a flight of stone steps across the street, which called to me strongly. And so we took them.
This is part of our creative process as a couple: when one of us has an instinct that arises from being called by something unseen but strongly felt, we always go in that direction. "There's mystery up there," I said, "Let's go find it."
It would be the first of several flights of stone steps, this first one taking us to a tiny street that had its own atmosphere, as if we were in a different quarter of the town.
At the end of the street we made a right and ascended the second flight of stairs...
The light was gathering even as it was descending, as if in nearing the earth it was set ablaze, the flame of it spreading a rosy gold over and through and around everything in sight.
The ancient walls and crenulations, the worn steps, breathing once again beneath one's feet. The magnificent fir trees, stalwart in their tall guardianship...
And then another right turn, another flight of steps. Midway, beneath an arch, I stopped to look at Joel, himself on fire, and said to him, "How I would love to to hear the bells."
For at the top of this flight is the ancient church, which in the spring had tolled for one who had died. And then, as I stood there, still under the arch, a single bell pealed above me like a summons and I flew up the remaining steps to the golden flank of the church, it's warmth spreading and beckoning me on...
And then the mystery appeared. Call me crazy, but I swear I saw the ghost of my spirit etched into the trunk of that tree...
