Notes From The Piano

We have walked for miles…

…(kilometres) about London in search of shelters, water reservoirs, wood cobbles, Bond and clubs. Now we are here in Ieper (Ypres) our rest begins. Though there are things to do, more importantly, the gentleness of our home here is self saving.

As notes from the piano bring solace to the morning I watch from my perch towards the garden. Bricks and ivy finds its place in a hall of green as the wind brings movement and tone to notes from above.

Here amongst Ypres, a place of such former conflict, I begin to settle in my peace. One step less today – to benefit two steps tomorrow. Though the path to Dickebusch remains with me as a constant.

In a world that struggles with much perpetual unhappiness, shared misery and comparative trauma, I recognize the pain but for me self saving is in the rising of a new day. It is the alonenessness that is deeper…when weary feet unable to find joy in standing, require rest, a reminder it is okay to slow down…at least for a while.

Today, perhaps Sunday, Dickebusch, where there is one to see, where words will follow like touch and tone from the piano all in the right instance.

—-SNIP—-

23 August 2024

First Day of the Battle of Mons 1914