Post #18.13, Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          The brothers were right. No one shows up at this worksite at first light except Shollo and Kairn and their father. Today, August is here too. I watch from this place at the crane as the brothers recognize August now in monk’s garb.           Shollo speaks first, “August, orContinue reading “Post #18.13, Tuesday, March 30, 2021”

Post #18.12, Thursday, March 25, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux                  It seems the wheel itself is the fine workmanship of a knowledgeable carpenter. Anyone can see that. August witnessed its construction as a child watching and learning amid the building project in the north where their family had been located. Their father and mother and the two younger sons,Continue reading “Post #18.12, Thursday, March 25, 2021”

Post #18.11, Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          I didn’t notice when August left his family’s house. When I return to the hearthside of the guesthouse he is already here crouching by the fireside, smothered in his wools, not speaking to anyone but perhaps to God.  At least I know he didn’t encounter his brothers. I dishContinue reading “Post #18.11, Wednesday, March 24, 2021”

Post #18.10, Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          It is one of the brothers who answers the door. I ask that they come out with me to the construction site. August slips by into the house unnoticed as we are leaving.          “We met earlier” I remind them, “I’m a fellow traveler of Nic who owns theContinue reading “Post #18.10, Tuesday, March 23, 2021”

Post #18.9, Thursday, March 18, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          “Please trust me, August. As the stranger that I am I see only the edges of your family and can only guess at the hidden longings and losses. But this reunion isn’t about the hurts. Since you’ve been gone your good gift to make beautiful things with your handsContinue reading “Post #18.9, Thursday, March 18, 2021”

Post #18.8, Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          “Laz, I have to tell you, knowing my brothers as I do, they aren’t that analytical, especially when it comes to their own jealousy and their own flaws.”          “Who is?”          August continues,  “It sounds to me like you are ready to pass judgment on me but notContinue reading “Post #18.8, Wednesday, March 17, 2021”

Post #18.7, Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          Darkness impedes our tour of the work on the basilica, and August is anxious to go on to see his family. I’m looking for a way to be the silver cup in Benjamin’s bag who helps the reunion become something joyful and not a tirade of remembrances of envyContinue reading “Post #18.7, Tuesday, March 16, 2021”

Post #18.6, Thursday, March 11, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          Brother Joel and Brother August are in the guesthouse let to Nic by the stable master.  And I know we will have to tell them Brother August’s family was asking about the artist who carves so perfectly in sandstone. Surely we can’t keep Brother August hidden from them, especiallyContinue reading “Post #18.6, Thursday, March 11, 2021”

Post #18.5, Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          We’ve overheard two brothers of August taking notice of the statue in the cart just outside this stable. Nic went down to confront these art critics.  I’m not sure if Nic means to defend the art or the artist, but now his demeanor is more of camaraderie, as isContinue reading “Post #18.5, Wednesday, March 10, 2021”

Post #18.4, Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux          Nic and I are spreading our fleeces in the stable loft near the construction of a new basilica in Bordeaux and from here we can overhear the conversation between two of the workers who are looking over the stone sculpture still in the cart just outside.          “Do youContinue reading “Post #18.4, Tuesday, March 9, 2021”