Al, sincerest thanks, I whispered “yes” aloud, over and over, throughout, nodding rhythmically. I so loved you snake observations, I adore snakes, alongside my fear of them, they are gorgeous, powerful, knowing creatures. I too take great inspiration at their ability to let it go...
Thank you for your beautiful and necessary remarks on beauty--if one cannot see beauty it speaks only to a lack of imagination. Working with very elderly, and dying, people has been a gift to my eye as I see it so, so clearly now. In every body. Beauty is rich in the miraculous (and it’s all miraculous).
Blessings to your tree, your angels, and to whatever you handed over. I love that you considered why the snake had chosen there. ♥️
I love knowing that people like you, Al, are willing to give so generously to others who hunger for peace and belonging. The creativity of someone making an impromptu shrine out of something so simple and then your inspired writing about it-- a beautiful chain reaction a Goodness!
"Often, I’m struck by how cumbersome it feels to be alive. Even with the privileges my body affords me, it’s still so damn hard and painful. So often, I long to shed my physical form like a snake sheds its skin and experience life as a bubble or cloud of light particles. If only for a little while, I’d like to hover above the earth, immune to “the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to” (as someone once said)."
Al, sincerest thanks, I whispered “yes” aloud, over and over, throughout, nodding rhythmically. I so loved you snake observations, I adore snakes, alongside my fear of them, they are gorgeous, powerful, knowing creatures. I too take great inspiration at their ability to let it go...
Thank you for your beautiful and necessary remarks on beauty--if one cannot see beauty it speaks only to a lack of imagination. Working with very elderly, and dying, people has been a gift to my eye as I see it so, so clearly now. In every body. Beauty is rich in the miraculous (and it’s all miraculous).
Blessings to your tree, your angels, and to whatever you handed over. I love that you considered why the snake had chosen there. ♥️
Always such a joy to read your essays. Beautiful, Al!
I love knowing that people like you, Al, are willing to give so generously to others who hunger for peace and belonging. The creativity of someone making an impromptu shrine out of something so simple and then your inspired writing about it-- a beautiful chain reaction a Goodness!
This is so beautifully expressed and I relate:
"Often, I’m struck by how cumbersome it feels to be alive. Even with the privileges my body affords me, it’s still so damn hard and painful. So often, I long to shed my physical form like a snake sheds its skin and experience life as a bubble or cloud of light particles. If only for a little while, I’d like to hover above the earth, immune to “the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to” (as someone once said)."
I find your writing style quite exquisite.
The way this essay came full circle at the end...what a gut-punch, in the most beautiful way. Your writing is delicious, Al!
Magically awesome!!!! Your work is always such a treat to read and so inspiring 💕
This resonated with me in so many ways...beautiful and thank you!
I'm really enjoying your writing. Very beautiful in the true sense.