Tuesday, March 9, 2010

F is for . . .


I have come here my whole life, returned to scramble over stones, climb dark stairs, explore the honeycomb cells and arches and hear the wind moan.
I was born near the mouth of a river, that in-between realm, neither salt nor fresh, shifting with tides and storms and the ocean's swell.  Yet still the fort stands, and we return for welcomes, farewells, the fights that no words can solve, the pains that time never seems to quell.   
We come back to the stronghold, defenseless ourselves, seeking solace in the salt and wind and seagrass whipping harsh against our legs.  Here we stand at the edge, not safe at all, but still we stay
as if the stones themselves support us, as if memories of the years we've spent sustain us, as if we've never had to say goodbye, as if as long as these arches stand we are safe, there is something sure, there is this, always this, if nothing else--some things endure.
Fort Popham, Phippsburg, Maine

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful spot, beautiful words. YOu are such a writer. This post makes me think of the 11th century chateau that my grandparents restored and lived in for the bulk of their later life, and which formed such a visceral and integral part of my early life. Its fortress walls and groaning turrets hold so many memories, both those of my childhood and family, and many more -only imagined - of the centuries of lives that inhabited it before.

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  2. Gigi~
    Your words make me want to find this 'fortress' you have called your own since childhood. I never even knew it existed, and Sean will marvel with awe at its beautiful architecture.
    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  3. Wonderful! This post truly took me away! Thanks for the lovely, thought-provoking trip.

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  4. Wonderful post, Gigi....such a fantastic place to explore and beautifully written words, just magical! Sweet dreams, my friend! xxoo :)

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  5. Dear Gigi,
    What beautiful writing, accompanied by wonderful photographs. If ever one is near the sea, in whatever country, there will always be a fortress to explore. Very atmospheric places which must hold some fantastic stories and secrets. Hope all's well with you Gigi. Lots of love. XXXX

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  6. a fabulous grouping of what looks to be a magical spot..your words bring it all together gigi

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  7. this is a wonderful series...the photos are awesome!..all the way to apple!
    i especially like the leg composition..nice work

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  8. what an incredibly beautiful place to stop and listen and feel and just be

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  9. How wonderful to have that "place". Your writing is so beautiful. XO

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  10. Would that I could be there with you. Through your words I have lived there too...

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  11. Your pictures make it look like from some exotic place, not in the US. Beautiful!

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  12. I was born near the mouth of a river, that in-between realm, neither salt nor fresh, shifting with tides and storms and the ocean's swell.

    Lovely. And you've captured some of the things I love - ocean and stone and water, and some of the qualities they stand for.

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  13. I don't know how you do it, but I love the way you write, Gigi.

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  14. How strange. Sarah Laurence posted about Fort Popham today as well. You must go see....
    http://blog.sarahlaurence.com/

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  15. gorgeous color and place - very inspiring. i love the words to go with it.

    i could see standing there and listening, drinking in the solitude.

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  16. The beauty of your words only enhances this magical-looking place, Gigi... Such lovely photos! "...some things endure..."...*sigh*... Many thanks for your very sweet comment at my place--warmed my heart so. :o) I, too, have been extra busy lately and posting less--creating things that sparkle and delight have been consuming me in a wonderful way. Happy Days ((HUGS))

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  17. GiGi,
    That was lovely, I know that Fort.
    Your thought's and feeling's came through
    clear as a bell. Beautiful writing.
    yvonne

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  18. What an amazing coincidence to both post about Fort Popham on the same day! Your photos are beautiful, and I love how you draw symbolic meaning with your words. Plus you're a writer married to a scholar too. Thanks to dear Pamela for connecting us.

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  19. You are lucky to have such a place. The photos are lovely, the words twisted my heart and made me feel deep sadness.

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