I sit in the sunroom after a day at school. It's hot, the air is still. I can't read the newspaper - too much is required of my eyes and head to do that. But I want to look at something to take me away from things.
In the bookcase beside me, I pick out a hardback - Michael Palin's Full Circle and put it in my lap. Lovely man, Michael. I'd travel anywhere with him. The book falls open on a coloured double paged spread showing his journey around the Pacific. A sweep of blue ocean bordered by green countries, the map is dotted by a bright yelllow trail that indicates the route he took.
I study it all for a minute or so and as I''m doing this, over the top of the page a caterpillar appears and slides across the paper.
A tiger by colouring, an emperor by birth, I watch as the furry traveller pushes through midwest Canada, into the US and out to the Pacific - the prow of its head rising up and down like a listing ship rolling across the waves. A sea breeze seems to riffle the tip of its hairs as it journeys south, then reaches shore and glides overland into Bolivia.
Suddenly it stops.
At the end of the page and the edge of a world, the caterpillar pauses and peers over the side. The railing's steep and sharp. A moment passes before it drops off the map and lands on my knees.
As it steadies then grips the hem of my skirt , all I can feel is nothing but peace that a small, brave creature should choose me for company on this long, March day.
1 comment:
beaut mum!
In full circle, does it have a pic of Palin in a Japanese capsule hotel?? Got to be seen to be believed. keep it up mum, but we want MORE!!!
Post a Comment