Month: April 2019

Whispers

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a moment
with da Vinci
low whispers

 

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Photo: The Last Supper, Chiesa di Danta Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy, c.b.w. 2018

Words: c.b.w. 2019

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Smoke

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silent bells
ravens take flight
the smoke billows

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Photos: Notre Dame, Paris, c.b.w. 2003

These are the only photos I have of my visit to Notre Dame. That day, my camera broke and all I had was a disposable 35mm camera I bought at a little shop down the street, (this was before we all had phones w/ cameras!). While these aren’t the best photographs I’ve ever taken, I’m glad I have them. What I remember most of about this place is sheer sense of awe and overwhelming beauty that surrounded me when I walked through the doors. Between ceilings that reach for the sky, stunning stained-glass windows, and the thousands of stories echoing from the walls, it’s a place that is part of all of us. Regardless of your beliefs, Notre Dame is a reflection of human creativity, fortitude, strength, determination, and longevity. It’s a monument to the beauty humanity is capable of creating. The fire may have destroyed parts of the structure, but the spirit lives on.

Words: c.b.w. 2019

Swing

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maple leaves
wiggle in the rain
an empty swing

 

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Photo: Danville, Indiana, c.b.w. 2014

For years this tree swing swayed back and forth in the summer breeze. However, I never once saw anyone actually swinging on it. It always made me wonder if it was still in use or just a relic left over from a childhood long gone. This past summer, I walked the familiar route into town and found the tree swing was gone. Now, it’s a story I’ll never know.

Words: c.b.w. 2019

Passing

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the song ends
no one gives
a passing thanks

 

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Photo: Busker, Galway, Ireland, c.b.w. 2009

Walking down the street in any European city is an adventure as you are surrounded by the past and present with dizzying delight. People rush past heading to work or tourists stop to take pictures of the architecture. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, there is music on every corner. Buskers play every instrument imaginable – their tunes and voices echoing down the streets. It’s a cacophony of melody and jingling change tossed into instrument cases. It’s chaotic and soothing … it’s beautiful.

Words: c.b.w. 2019