Saturday, January 3, 2009

Fish Music



Yesterday I listened to Bach and Scarlatti.
Today I took out some music and sat at the piano. My fingers are stiff, the keyboard dusty, the patterns barely remembered.
First one hand, then the other. left hand right hand both together.

Slow motion. Imperceptible motion, just a bunch of notes, a pile of sticks.
(You would have no such trouble, I imagine, just that would have to bribe you to play. One day I will listen to you play, but i will stand behind you where you won't see me)

After that I went into the sea, which has been doing its best to disguise itself, to shift its shape. Today it was fretful and wrinkled with the hint of a frown from an impertinent breeze. I passed over clouds of whiting like I was a bird in the sky and they were below. A moving vein of swarming bream, a handful or so of tip-tailed tailor. Clouds of sand puffed and blew as the fish moved through them.


A new year: the promise of wonder and so much goodness. A bright and shining year ahead. I have started it with Mozart and champagne, I have looked into the sky and seen fountains of coloured light. Strange and beautiful things await me.
At the turning of the universe I took your hand and pulled you through with me.



Here is the sanctuary for the fairy penguins on New Years Eve. They had lots of space to play, safely sheltered from revellers.




And this is the last sunset upon 2008. Such a strange year, but so full of unexpected gifts among the wild, out of control carnival ride which is my life.

My little family survives. My head is largely intact. I have let go of something huge. At the very end, I was given something lovely.

This year? I welcome all it has to give me. In turn, I have much to give.

Happy New Year.

17 comments:

Mary said...

Happy New Year Miss Fish...

It does feel as though 2009 could be a very good year...

and plans are afoot for a big catch up soon..

meggie said...

Happy New Year Fifi!

I hope all your dreams come true.

Red Hen (dette) said...

I am so nosey I want to know what you had to give up and what was the lovely thing you were given. Great picture at the top of the post. Here's hoping 2009 is full of lovely things!

fifi said...

Goody. Now you are back, mary!

Meggie, may yours come true also.

redhen: hmm. It's hard to explain both these things to be honest. both involved people.

molly said...

Happy New Year dear Fifi! I hope it will be full of wonders.....

Louise Dalton said...

Happy New Year!
Hope 2009 is full of love, creativity and clear water!
Lou X

Anonymous said...

Happy, healthy and prosperous 2009 Fifi!

Fusion said...

I love how you write fifi, so...mystical.

Have a wonderful new year with all the best it has to offer.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Fifi!

Oh to be warm on the beach in the sunshine! :)

Jellyhead said...

Ah, a vintage fifi post .... stylish, wondrous, intriguing.

I wish you every joy in 2009 fifi.

Bryan said...

Strange paralells. It always happens. Here I was being chased by virtual penguins and there were some on your beach at virtually the same time.

The ones on your beach seem less mean though.

Happy New Year :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, I'm a little late (but still very early in the year). Your beach looks to be very popular at sunset this time of the year. Ours is at it's stormy best now.Bandon beach, Oregon during a storm.

Anonymous said...

Ah good, someone else who is full of optimism and excitement for what is in store this year. Me too!

I had two strange years really - last year was mostly OK I suppose if a little sad. But this year I feel will be good - I will allow myself to feel things again and really that is all it takes to turn my world around.

Here's to new adventures eh? Wherever they may take us!

Rita said...

I also wanted to show you this great picture of face rock one of my favorite places on the Oregon coast.

Actually, I've got a post up about it now. :)

fingers said...

So unplug the jukebox
And do us all a favour
That music's lost it's taste
So try another flavour
Fishmusic...ah ah ah ah ah...fishmusic...

Eleanor said...

Dear Miss Fish,

Looking forward to joining your shoal tomorrow.

I hope that the sea will be calm and clear.

Regards from my beach to yours,

Eleanor.

meli said...

I like the fish swimming through the music...