'There is silence where hath been no sound
There is silence where no sound may be
In the cold grave, under the deep deep sea'
(Thomas Hood)
'Ma in questa immensita' si annega il pensier mio
E il naufragar mi e' dolce in questo mare'
'But in this immensity my thought drowns
and it is sweet to sink in this sea'
(Giacomo Leopardi)
The sun is already deep in the west, its light turning into a daze of gold, while I stand on the bow, submitted to the power of the spell of the Ocean. Enchanted, waves breaking gently against the hull, their sweet low music soothing my ears and heart, I follow the pattern of flashes, dazzling lights, bright new stars that the setting sun paint on the rippled surface of the dark sea: a sudden created firmament in an uncharted cosmos. Water, water, water all around me, filling my soul, covering me as in a sweet cold womb... I melt in it, I dissolve in it, I am part of it, no troubled mind anymore, a deep peace taking hold of me. Dark, crystal clear water, its astonishing beauty moving me deeply, its energy a low hum permeating everything: life-bearer, voice of many singing voices, light and darkness intertwined, full of meaning and purpose. How many times I have said to myself: if there is a God, THIS is the only way my eyes would be able to see it... as a sea.
The sea... and while I let it cast its spell on me, I know again why I am here, why I have made this choice, why I find myself on this ship in this moment: and it is not for Greenpeace (in itself a tool, not a goal), nor for the thrill of sailing, or to drive boats of so much power and girth, not to be in action or having my picture taken! It is for the beauty of this world, its incommensurable beauty, to do all that is in my power to defend what is left of it. I am here to pay my due, together in mind and heart with all those people that share this awareness, all those little brave vulnerable warriors holding the last barrier, keeping the last ethical stand, fighting the final ethical battle against the fiercest onslaught that this Earth has ever had to suffer in the course of its existence. So huge and powerful is the rate of destruction... but I am here to fight to try to stop it, and fight I will!
But I deeply need help, from all of you reading these few lines: so next time you will be walking on a beach, or along a river or running stream, please stop a moment and close your eyes and let the music of water fill your heart, take you away... and be with me.
From above the stars and under a blue-light sea...
a gentle hug
Rosso
Comments
Dear Rosso,
your words really moved me. Only twice have I been on a boat and during those voyages I knew I would have to go up on the deck. I will never forget the salty air that brushed my cheek. But next time I see water I will pause and think of your words.
Ciao ciao!
Posted by: Kieron Barnes at July 27, 2005 02:36 PM
