English Bay on the longest day
Vancouver, BC
Advertisements
Eileen Campbell
The Fox by R. Williams Parry
March 14, 2018 — 49thandpacificOne hundred yards from the top of the mountain, when the peal
Of the churches on the slopes were inviting us towards them,
And the unspent sun of glorious July
Inviting us towards the mountain – right there,
On an unknowing foot and quiet trot
His rare beauty wandered in front of us
We, without movement and without a breath
Were paralysed a moment, like a trinity of stones
We stood, when in the middle of an uncaring step
He too stood frozen in space, above
His one tentative foot the two steady flames
Of his eyes upon us. Then, without hurrying or panic
His red fur slid over the ridge;
It happened, it ended, like a shooting star.
above English translation by Rhodri Evans
Original Welsh poem: Y Llwynog
Ganllath o gopa’r mynydd, pan oedd clych
Eglwysi’r llethrau’n gwahodd tua’r llan,
Ac annrheuliedig haul Gorffennaf gwych
Yn gwahodd tua’r mynydd, – yn y fan,
Ar ddiarwybod droed a distaw duth,
Llwybreiddiodd ei ryfeddod prin o’n blaen
Ninnau heb ysgog ac heb ynom chwyth
Barlyswyd ennyd; megis trindod faen
Y safem, pan ar ganol diofal gam
Syfrdan y safodd yntau, ac uwchlaw
Ei untroed oediog dwy sefydlog fflam
Ei lygaid arnom. Yna heb frys na braw
Llithrodd ei flewyn cringoch dros y grib;
Digwyddodd, darfu, megis seren wîb.
R. Williams Parry (1924)
She said
February 14, 2018 — 49thandpacificShe said: You seemed a little tentative last time I brought trifle.
20 minutes after dinner, while she’s freshening up,
then midnight to 2 should finish it.
She said: But I know you like custard
… still a few hours tomorrow morning before the noon deadline
She said: So I made it myself
Bernie’s away. I’ll have to chair the directors’ meeting.
She looks very pleased with herself.
check the agenda
She said: I did keep the jello. I know you like raspberries!
ok…, distracted now by the open wine …
good, as long as no one wants to add Other Business …
She said: Mmmm
she’s tasting it
I probably won’t need the time anyway, but it’ll take the pressure off
she likes it
She said: Ouzo?
“Sure!”
ouzo, sure, ouzo has a good effect on her
Those grey sheer curtains aren’t working. That was their mistake. I know I ordered …
She said: Cheers!
“Cheers!”
clink
I’ll be in the Review at least until 2, last time it was after 3,
…what is the topic
She is very pretty.
warm eyes
She said: Earth to Asteroid 8240, come in…
She seems so happy to see me.
I love her laugh.
roller coaster
December 25, 2017 — 49thandpacificDon’t like them; … the highs, ok, they’re good.
But screaming down that hill into the abyss: The lows. They suck.
Every now and then a slight tremor, a gentle shake, even a humorous jolt – one every long while is ok.
Smooth gliding, just coast, that’s what I want.
Not bad surprises around the bend, tears, spasms in the gut, that nauseous feeling and what comes next.
Nope. No siree. Don’t need it.
A multitude of glistening spheres bubbling up from the depths, an awesome surprise, yes, bring that on.
Jiggles, giggles, fantasy come true.
The magical ride, that one over there with the golden lights
picking up a little speed as it heads for the tunnel…
September 30, 2017 @ 6:07 p.m. pdt
September 30, 2017 — 49thandpacific“How am I supposed to breathe when you take my breath away?” (Greg Sczebel)
The Meaning of Relativity by Albert Einstein, Introduction by Brian Greene
September 1, 2017 — 49thandpacificBrian Greene and I speak the same language, English, at least in some of his books.
His simple explanations bring concepts into focus for simple me.
His Introduction was a pleasure.
And then the Introduction ended.
The main event began.
The Meaning of Relativity
page 1:
“The theory of relativity is closely connected with the theory of space and time. I shall therefore begin with a brief investigation of the origin of our ideas of space and time, although in doing so I know that I introduce a controversial subject. …”*
As much as I cherished the lessons from Brian Greene, here now was Albert Einstein, talking to me like I understood every word.
Bliss.
Communication is so important. Despite the wide chasm in our I.Q.s, we were doing just fine since we met 3 minutes ago. I eased deeper into the Macy’s Martha Stewart medium and extra firm pillows, took some deep relaxing breaths, and rejoiced in my good luck to finally be introduced to him, Albert Einstein, after all these years. Why had I resisted for so long?
page 3:
“…By means of simple changes in position we can bring two bodies into contact…”*
He is a sweet talker. I don’t mind.
But then, as all relationships do I suppose, a perturbation arose. It happened when I turned to page 4; a lack of understanding if you will, a gap.
What was that?
– An equation.
I read the passage once more, and again. Yes, phew, got through that hurdle. And we are back on track.
“Does anyone ever call you Al?”
Onward to page 5.
Here again was a challenge. Another equation. But it was small, simple letters.
Got it. Where there is a will there is a way Al. Now that I’ve found you I’m going to persevere.
And so Al continued his discourse.
Wow! Who knew? Me and Al.
Until page 6, where a total communication break down occurred.
Sadly, our relationship was over.
With a heavy heart I turned off the light.
I will always remember the hope. And now, to dream.
*The Meaning of Relativity by Albert Einstein with an Introduction by Brian Greene Princeton University Press, New Princeton Science Library Edition, 2014
August
August 12, 2017 — 49thandpacificAugust, the climax of the year. Trees are lush and heavy. The fruit is ripe. A carefree laziness fills the hours. For a precious few weeks we forget what day it is. Every day is exquisitely the same. Nothing to do but complain about the heat.
But soon enough, that satisfying contentment is shattered by one dreaded sentence; someone you like quite well may utter it, or perhaps a stranger wandering close enough to be heard: “You can feel that nip in the air.”
There it is, in its naked starkness like a sumptuous August tree in January. We all know it but are too prudent to speak the obvious: the heat wave has ended.
Yes, August is passing us by and we are heading into fall. And then the second nail in summer’s coffin: One leaf floats down, drifting from side to side, landing right there.
Today is hot, August still full of promise. I enjoy the luxury of my favourite month in delicious solitude, only every so often allowing in close family and trusted friends.
They know full well there is to be no unmentionable utterances as we bask in the blissful afternoon sun.
Vancouver City Hall
August 11, 2017 — 49thandpacific
Not one drinking establishment an easy walk from City Hall. There used to be a lounge across the street. And a pub kitty corner in the City Square Mall.
Are those people running things actually sober?
There is a marijuana store.
Love this rainy day view.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
