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Silence and Belief |
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written
by nmdaybaz / 10.24.2005 |
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| Silence and Belief |
1 of 1 |
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Assignment |
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Sitting comfortably perched under one of the small arches that borders the cloister’s garden, I feel as if I could stay here forever. I can feel the hard curved marble of the two columns pressing into my back and their solidity comforts me, a tangible offer of support. The warm breeze flits lightly across my face as I watch the leaves dance gently in its wake. I watch the band of sunlight slowly creep up the second level, past the flowering pots up to the terracotta tiled roof. Enclosed on all four sides by the walls of the cloister I feel protected, and yet not suffocated as the sky is visible above the garden. There is serenity in the air that seems to sweep over me, enveloping me in its soft touch. I feel at peace with everything and my mind is free to wander. I spend my time in quiet reflection; the feeling of security allowing myself to bring my vulnerable thoughts to the surface. I hardly notice the time passing until I have to break my silent meditation and extract myself from my niche. As I leave the cloister, I know that I will never forget that feeling of complete security or the touch of the warm breeze across my face.
Upon entering the Protestant Cemetery from the narrow sidewalk along the chaotic traffic, I breathe an audible sigh of relief. Despite having just entered the domain of the dead, the sense of refuge is overwhelming. The walls overgrown with thick tendrils of ivy offer shelter from the noise of vehicles and their angry occupants outside. As I meander throughout the graves I feel as if I am at a reunion of friends. Everyone is from different origins and times, yet they are all congregating together in a final resting place. The presence of the friendly cats nestled between the tombstones reminds me of being home. I walk throughout the cemetery and feel almost as if I need to thank someone for being welcomed into their home. When the time comes to emerge from the peaceful sanctuary back into the world of noise and pollution, I carry the image of a small tabby cat with me. The cat, curled up beneath the shade of tombstone, represents to me the welcoming sense of refuge the cemetery offered me; to come in, enjoy the peace and stay awhile.
Although both sites offer to me a sense of peace, the way that is conveyed through each is different. The cloister brought to me security and comfort, while the cemetery served as a welcoming refuge. While I felt as though I could remain in the cloister indefinitely, the cemetery seemed offer a temporary shelter- one that was welcoming, yet finite. The quiet mediation present in both was a refreshing experience in contrasting to the bustling environment of the city.
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