Sunday, October 17, 2010

290. The power of the elemental


Water had always held a fascination for Francine, it had a gravitational pull there was no escaping. Today it was beautifully crafted water, water at the behest of mankind in his built environment. However, just the slightest hint of that tinkle had the power to transport Francine way back; back to the rickety wooden bridge on that last curve before the farm.

In those immediate post-war years everything seemed instantly aged, and weary and in a state of dishabille. When her mother’s silent weeping threatened to overwhelm her, Francine would drift to this bridge and its stepped pathway to the meandering stream below. Lined with she-oaks, and littered with skimming rocks, this was a refuge, a shed in the great outdoors. As the wind set to its whistling, and the sun glinted and dappled on the slowly moving waters, Francine reached her own silent accommodation with emotions beyond her comprehension.

5 comments:

Brian Miller said...

nice. i like the descriptions...so peaceful...we all need those places to go and find serenity...

on a more humorous note...tinkle has a whole different definition around here...smiles.

Julie said...

*grin* ... I had forgotten that, Brian. However, our use of 'tinkle' is so very descriptive ... I wonder if both meanings are listed and which came first.

mmm ... says that 'tinkle' is Brit. informal to urinate.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Isn't that what tinkling water does to the aging ... inspires urination?

I liked the place the water took Francine too, also fascinated by the photo. Especiallys liked "When her mother's silent weeping ..." says so much those few short words.

Julie said...

The photo is the very edge of a fountain at the front of the restaurant at Centennial Parklands.

Not just the mother silently weeping but remember I snuck in 'immediate post-war years' to brainwash you first. I think ...

Joan Elizabeth said...

Yes of course, I did note that. Without that lead the quote I lifted would not have had the power.