And when she found something completely unbearable, she simply forgot it. That was her greatest power, forgetting. For nothing in the world can trouble you once it no longer exists, and what is the past but a selection of memories? Carefully edited and imbued with the light of forgotten summers. She had nearly drowned once, when she was six, or at least so people told her. She couldn’t remember it, however hard she tried. Only when her toes curled over the edge of the swimming pool did a faintness come over her, the afterglow of a forgotten fear.
It worked for people too. She had discovered this long ago, the delicate art of dismissal. The cutting out of a figure from one’s life, with neat precision and the edges sewn up so they would hardly be missed. She dreamt of them sometimes, and the shadows they had left behind, but you wouldn’t know it. She was awfully good at making things disappear.
December 2, 2011
17 responses to The Art of Forgetting
You write so well. I always look forward to reading your work. Always disappointed when there is nothing new–however–when there is, it’s well worth the wait.
Yours,
Wyn
Ps. Have you read The Art Spirit by Robert Henri? A true kindred-spirit.
This is really absolutely beautiful. A dangerous power, isn’t it? One I’ve tried to, at times, nurture and at other times restrict myself from using.
You are such a talented writer. I cannot wait for you to publish a full-length novel; I would love to read it.
How sad.
(It’s true that you are a magnificent writer.)
Oh my! Lovely! I’ve missed your posts so much. It’s a treat to read another again. You have such a way with words. You conjure image and emotion with such ease and grace. You have a gift my dear <3
hello there, where did you get your layout if you don’t mind my asking.
I love this. It reminds me of the Law Of Detachment. I am a notorious bridge burner, but for my own good. There’s a saying that goes, “Burn the bridges behind you so that you HAVE TO move forward!” I’ve had so many breakthroughs and progress because of it. Best wishes to you, lovely heart.
Btw I almost drowned too, though I was seven, and was pulled out of the water by my hair!
You are absolutely marvelous dear.
xx Carina
I have been reading your blog for a while now (sorry for the lurking) and just wanted to say what an excellent writer you are. It is a treat to read your work. Thank you very much!
This is marvelous dear.
I too tend to forget easily, most times too easily for my own good.
This is beautiful, but also incredibly sad…
I really agree with everyone. I go through my days and your posts is one of the things that illustrate the things I feel a lot. You know the joy of reading great books. Imagine how we would feel if you gave us a full length novel to read!!!
Oh, darling! I am a brand new reader, but I love your blog. You sound like a fairy tale.
P.S.
Happy Holidays, Princess Skye! ^_^
Whenever I read a new post from you, I think, ‘That’s *exactly* what I feel!’ but you always seem to put it into perfect words. <3
Dearest Skye,
You once wrote that you’d like to inspire people. Do you see how many of us were inspired throughout the years by your candid words and beautiful personality? I hope you are happy with the result. It might be little compared to your dreams, but it’s here and it is very real.
Please, if you can, come here more often, share with us your world and keep painting our days with the delicate colors of your thoughts. It doesn’t need to be always perfect and right. If it’s true to you, it’ll be to us as well.
Remember what the Fox said to the Little Prince: “You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”
I miss you, my dear. But I hope you are happy and healthy wherever you are and whatever you are doing now.
Yours, always,
A.
Beautiful – I’m so glad I stumbled here.
C