I realized that I have been carrying within me all these years the child I once was, his particular language and details, his impatient and thirsty teeth wanting to dig into the cold flesh of a watermelon, waking up wondering only about one thing: “What is the sea like today? Is it flat as oil or ruffled white with the spit of waves?”
— Hisham Matar, The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between
Notes:
- Photo: DK, 6:43 am, Sept 30, 2020. The Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT.
- Post title inspired by Van Morrison’s Hit: Take Me Back
Looks like you’ve found a peaceful spot – at least at that time of day. How is it later on? Does it get very busy there?
Never been there later on. Great question. Almost certain it is not peaceful. 🙂
You probably have found the best time.
I think so Anneli.
Beautiful. And we love his particular language and details!
🍉
I bet you do.
how lovely and that is a wonderful life
It is.
Well, I don’t have any idea of what to say, except that both the book excerpt and the song lyrics are terribly timely. <3 Hang in there..
It is Carol.
Nothing wrong with that. That child sounds at peace.
He does.
Ahh, to worry only about the conditions on the water and the sweet moisture of watermelon on the tongue….
Oh, how true is that.
Looks like water perfect for stone skipping…
Sure does. Another take me back memory(s)
I wonder if he writes from thinking in English, or he translates Arabic thinking into his writing? Hmm! It’s some times telling for us multi-linguals. Arabic is a fluid and rich multi-dimensional language. But for me and after 53 years, i only think in English.
Great question Michael. I can tell you that he is a magician with words.
What a clever query Michael. I have the same ‘problem’ (asset!) with being Swiss German spoken, thinking (because of reading) mostly in E, married to a French spoken Swiss man, talking in Swiss German and not knowing any longer if my GERMAN is correct, adding some other languages in the lot and ending up with probably an unpalatable mish-mash….. We should ask Sawsan for her advice!
Beautiful picture, really captures the peacefulness!
Thank you!
Sublime, David. And I love it. Cher xo
Thank you Cher.
That water melon picture – I can taste the cool, fresh, zangy yet unpreteding taste. What a way with words he has – I’m smitten!
Me too! Totally!