RE: Samuel: An Illustrated Story
Many, many sensations flowed through me as I read. How quickly it can go from being a normal citizen to becoming an outsider. But then also: how long it takes. The feeling of being rushed into a business because Samuel doesn't want to attract attention. The bad smell that makes people look up and wrinkle their noses. We have all experienced it before. Do you have to feel sorry for him, do you have to rejoice with him? Probably both. On the one hand the loss of belonging, on the other freedom. Belonging to what, to people, to civilization, or better yet to nature, birds, squirrels and the forest? It is like having to make a decision, like not being able to do both. That is a little sad. Someone like you can write this, because it seems that you have experienced both.
It is probably the best way to leave. To lie down and dive into the womb of life. Earth to earth.
Now I know what you have been dealing with all these days. A very useful matter also the beautiful fairytale-like pictures you have created.
It's great that @curie found you right away.
Finally able to upvote you with a full ($.02) vote. Ha! Watching the VP replenish as I work my way through. Whew.
Thank you for that comment. Fairy tale. You're right. I didn't think of it that way. Of course, it's kind of an idyll, even though Samuel dies in the end. And the pictures evoke that.
Funny thing--I can't draw, but keep working at a picture until it feels right, until it expresses what I feel. And you got it. Thank you !!
I think everyone feels apart, sometimes, alienated. It's just that often we fail to credit others with feeling as deeply as we do. This is the essence of empathy, isn't it?
As for the forest. I do have an extraordinary love of forests, streams and fields. It's in my bones from childhood, so Samuel's refuge is natural for me. A place of peace. A sense of the eternal, the flux of life.
Thank your for reading and for your insight. Your comments are always highly valued.
Love from New York, where we will escape that terrible hurricane,
AG
Yes, we sometimes hesitate too much to be expressive in this way. It reminds me of mourning people who lost a relative or friend and others don't dare to give their condolences in order not to stir up further sadness. But it actually would cause appreciation and the feeling of friendship to be acknowledged in this way.
Yes, I know you come from that place and it gives this story of yours the certain deep touch.
A pleasure to have read it. Thank you!
I hope, the hurricane already weakened.
Kisses!