The Austere Vacancy of a Quiet Place by Chipka
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Description
An old man.
A dog.
Stonework in troubled negotiation with the mosses and molds that seek to consume it.
These are ancient and atavistic things, given scarce notice in the infant days of the twenty-first century. These are the things that huddle near the core of a city that is mercifully gentle in its patronage of art and history. They all share a place, winding through the convolutions of cobbled backstreets. If you're lucky, you may step across the ruins of an ancient castle all but forgotten--except by the homeless, or adolescent lovers engaged in the shy secrecy of mutual and clumsy, tactile explorations. But you, now a half-time resident of this city, have found this place, in your search for books, and you pause and touch the damp, crumbling stones. You imagine forgotten/anonymous lives that still whisper and slither in the shadows.
And the dog notices you. So does his aged, human companion.
The dog is silent.
But the man smiles--just a bit--and bobs his head in quiet and unobtrusive greeting. As you step closer to him, you catch his voice, offering you a good day. "Dobry den," he says.
You repeat the greeting.
--And you each go your separate ways.
(This is actually what happened on that street in Prague, and the words above are what I wrote in my journal for possible use in a story that has yet to materialize. It's also the way in which I've chosen to mark the holiday of Samhain, and the closures that it signifies. This is my first, not exactly traditional, celebration of Samhain in Europe, and though I plan to return to Prague [quite soon, in fact] this picture and the mood it instills is something now closed, but fondly remembered.)
As always, thank you for viewing and commenting.
Comments (27)
Richardphotos
outstanding comparison of factors that can consume all
Heathcroft
The juxtaposition of the old house against the new, the cobblestones and the dog combine to produce a lingering and atmospheric shot. And your mind is racing again Chip - I'd cut down on the caffeine a bit...
NekhbetSun
I love this Chip, not just for the visual aspect (great compo and pov) but for the sentiments it expresses...nice little slice of your life and brilliant writing....def fave ~ ~ Hugs ~
trishabadblood
fantastic capture the feel of this place is charming with the brick street...
auntietk
Wonderful presentation. I love the contrasts in your image, and you write beautifully!
beachzz
You have such an eye, Chip, and when you write, it brings these scenes alive!! A really superb shot, I like it a LOT!!
rainbows
You know that I love all your works,. Your street scenes are always so special for me. They are what first brought us together as freinds. Team them up with your wonderful writing and we are gifted something very magical from you, dear Chip. A superb work, I adore the feelings that acompany this from your very alive and warm heart!! Wonderful!!! Samhain Hugs. Blessed be, my friend. Di. xx
Liam.
A magical moment and a magical place, indeed. I visited Prague once but it was many years ago and all I remember are crowded (though lovely) streets. Such cul-de-sacs were not where I would venture at that time. Too bad for me. I'm sure you will cherish this experience for a long time.
SSoffia
BEAUTIFUL PLACE & EXCELLENT CAPTURE !!!!!
halcon_89
fantastica captura+++5. Precioso encuadre
Janiss
Oh yes Chip, a quiet place.... absolutely GORGEOUS my friend... I adore! POV, postwork and subjects are marvelous ... a GREAT, GREAT shot my friend!
mansco
Outstanding and with a splendid atmosphere ;O)
JaneEden
Absolutely wonderful, I love this scene and it is an excellent shot!!!
MagikUnicorn
Superb shot
kimariehere
what a charming place this is love the cobblestone streets !!! wonderfully seen and shot!!
decadence
Wonderful shot. You captured it beautifully!
Atom
Fantastic capture and post work Chip, very colorful!
criss
A splendid place!
Fred255
Very good contrast between the two buildings. Grat POV and photo, very well done!
Dotthy
Firstly it remind me on Melnik, Excellent shot and also the little story!!!!!
Mousson
Great shot! Wonderful postwork! r
pixeltek
You are the writer, that's for sure. I hope you pursue that passion, you do have the knack and way with words. I like the contrast of the many different an interesting elements in this image. It is almost the history of Europe, war and peace, in a single image.
NefariousDrO
Chip, that's a very nice photo, and a very poetic description of a brief and all-to-human moment in time. Very nicely done!
RobyHermida
Espectacular!!!!!
abstractix
This is wonderful, Chip. I'm sure there are alot of places in Europe (and probably here in the US) that are lost but not forgotten.
Rainbowgirl
Goddess, Chip, I'm impresed by your photo and your words. This is not only a very good and moody shot of a very good and moody place, dog and man; in some way it truly captures the spirit of Samhain. The doors are open and you have just to be there and open your eyes to see. Yes, it's beautiful too ;-)
MrsRatbag
Another fabulous piece -- I want to be there!