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| Le Morne by Mira Boolell Khushiram |
The light falls aslant on the slope where
folded between the silence of stone,
a hundred footfalls of restless men
mill in fear. Not a trace remains
save the spill of that sand coloured tongue,
and a sudden shadow of a cave;
the crisscrossed trails of hurried escape;
a persistent keening of the waves
a lament formed of sea, rock, terrain
an untamed yen in a twinge of air
a squeeze of breath, and a freefall plunge,
just for a flash and then they are gone.
Yet nothing’s lost in the universe -
the yearnings for freedom. Silence. Words.
Today I'm writing to another watercolour from Mira's Mountains of Mauritius series, featuring a different, dramatic perspective of Le Morne Brabant, thank you Mira! I have written about it before in this on-going artistic collaboration of ours. Read about it here. And about the legends of the escaped slaves, or maroons, on this site.
How I love your collaborations.
ReplyDeleteThe sum is definitely greater (much greater) than the two parts.
Mystical, magical, magnificent.
You are very kind, EC. The older I get the more I realise the most valuable things are always greater than the sum of their parts. Le Morne, and Mira's rendering of it, is greatly moving.
Deletea hundred footfalls...yearning for freedom. Excellent mix of painting and words. Wow
ReplyDeleteThank you. The history of slavery is heart wrenching.
DeleteHow I love this partnership. You two bring each other alive.
ReplyDeleteThat is the nicest compliment! Thank you, Martin.
DeleteHi Nila - I love Mira's work - it's always great to see it here and then your words as you see the picture and what it can bring to us today - yet how it has stood the test of time ... our land is constantly moving ... each grain of sand, warmed by the sun will be somewhere different soon. Footsteps too ... as we step forward so much we leave behind in the shadows, yet build our future as we move on. Lovely - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThat the sands move is a profound truth!and every minute the landscape changes...have a great week
DeleteEscaped slaves - you captured that aspect very well.
ReplyDeleteNice watercolor.
Glad you liked it, thanks!
DeleteI like to read your poetry, then just sit back with my eyes closed and let its meaning wash over me.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great approach to poetry in general - am going to try applying it to some wine as well :)
DeleteLike the dark colours, the life of slaves too is dark, but may be in some time sun will shine ....
ReplyDeleteToo many people trapped in slavery still, very saddening! Glad you liked the painting - my friend Mira has a skillful, delicate touch.
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