27 July 2012
I tell you this my friend; many pleasures await you in this glorious life, some of them are truly momentous and others seem matter of fact. There is one though I must admit, I simply cannot fathom.
The other day I was out taking the air. I wandered down by the river (a favourite spot), and took my rest on a bench positioned (luckily), nearby. It was late evening, and not quite dark, and I enjoyed the moment with my pipe.
A few moments later and it began to snow as the lamplighter was doing his rounds. "How pleasant" I thought to myself, as the gas lamps across the river shone through, their reflections bobbing about in the slow moving water.
I stood, extinguished my pipe, and, after a warming sip of Brandy from my flask, continued my walk, heading back to the house via the bridge a good mile hence.
All was quiet, but pleasantly so, and, with the bridge in sight, I noticed that the snow was beginning to stick - although it didn't seem in the least icy underfoot.
As I crossed the bridge I headed east along the path that followed the river and I felt a rush of delight as my shoes began to sink into the ever deepening snow - and then it hit me - I was totally alone, the village lamps glimmered some half a mile off, and the lamp lighter, done with his rounds, had probably gone home. As I gazed upon that wondrous sight I felt an immense rush of utter peace come over me; as though time had stopped and I was sole witness; as though the Good Lord Himself had happened across me and stood at my side, enjoying his handiwork.
Before me lay a truly magical sight - the snow had set before me a pristine carpet of sparkling white, and my heart sang as I headed back to the house. Past the Bishops Lament, and songs drifting out from within.
I reached my door and looked back, the only footsteps in the snow were my own - silent witness to my passing, and a truly enchanting sight.
My spirits soared as I opened the door, Bessie waiting for me by the fire, her tail wagging furiously. It was surely the most inexplicable of feelings - as though it were but a dream.
I do hope you have a similar experience one day. You'll be so fortunate if you do.
I must go now dear friend, goodnight, and, of course, God Bless.
Walking Out In The Snow • Opuss № I