When the Clock Strikes
An Italianate Landscape with Travelers on a Path
Jan Both (Dutch, Utrecht 1615-1652)
Unfortunately, not much is known about this particular painting’s history.
Music pairing: Fazil Say · Nicolas Altstaedt - Cello Sonata, 'Four Cities': I . Sivas
A familiar dark coat passed unaware;
A pace and gait memorized for years.
A grimace followed, hurt more ignored;
The moment our eyes met I knew nothing was the same as before.
We each put distance in between,
Recognized the shift and neither was keen.
We walked a path once echoed footsteps;
Now a lump in our throats too, perhaps.
Single file we shuffled instead of side-by-side;
Hands hung or pocket contents we seemed to find.
In silence we have said too much,
Gazed downwards at the roads smudged.
Suddenly a sob with a mind of its own,
Choked and gasped beyond control.
In tissues offered, the way now to dry tears,
Understood in one unit we moved no longer.
Each went to our compartments private,
Knew neither could comfort the other separate.
The view saw faded;
The path shared ended.
Soon become a nod of acknowledgement somewhere,
As a new pace and schedule declared.
Our clocks ticked away in a different zone,
A place where only I live will be home.
Time shall mend a heart disordered,
As only time shall move us forward.