…for The Sunday Muse
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It was a lovely service. Most of the congregation had departed, and the cathedral which minutes earlier had resounded with the glorious sound of the choir and the strident cords of an organ was silent but for my echoing footsteps, and the distant giggling of the youthful choristers as they escaped into the autumn sunshine.
It was then I saw it. There on the stone floor, swathed in a palette of colour from a nearby stained glass window was a marble slab dedicated to Jane Austen. It felt disrespectful to step upon it knowing she lay beneath!
I stopped to read the inscription. The sweetness of her temper, and the extraordinary endowments of her mind obtained the regard of all who knew her, it said.
Did you know she was just forty-one years old when she passed away? That seems so unfair when she still had so much more to give. She wasn’t even spared to finish her final story, Sanditon. It was completed by ‘another lady’.
I’ve seen a movie or two based on her work but never actually read a book so the next day I went to the library a took a copy of Pride and Prejudice from the shelf. Romance isn’t a genre I normally go for, I’m more of a murder and mayhem kinda’ guy but I was totally immersed in her tale. I even tried to imagine myself as Fitzwilliam Darcy!
I stopped reading for a moment to reflect upon the young lady that wrote the words that so effortlessly drew me in, and as I did so, the pages became awash with a rainbow of colour as a shaft of sunlight bounced from a shiny steel panel to my side.
Gone but never to be forgotten.
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Thanks to Carrie for hosting.
Jane Austen’s final resting place is in Winchester Cathedral.
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Image: “See the Light” by Giulio Bernadi.
I was motivated to read more about Jane Austen … if only in Wikipedia. I have read most … maybe all of her books. I dislike most movies of any book. Something always missing. With a book I often find myself say on chapter 30 turning back to an earlier chapter or two for clarification.
Always enjoy your recordings.
Thank you so much. I agree with you wholeheartedly about books v movies. The printed page allows your mind to interpret what you see and hear rather than being carried along by a director and a bunch of actors.
She was an extraordinary talent. I was a science and math major in high school and college so I never read any of her books until later in life. I loved them and have them on my bookshelf. A lovely tale by you.
Better late than never! Thanks so much, Denise.
Damn it! You did it again. I’ve got goosebumps! Such a captivating and beyond lovely tribute you have written. I was with you every step of the way. Perfection! 🌟
What can I say except thank you so very much for your generous words?
That’s all that’s necessary, Keith. It’s my pleasure!
I’ve always loved her writing and perhaps have read her books at least twice. An amazing writer
Indeed she was. Despite what I said in my story, I have read them!
I think it was the first one I read, in grade school
I failed my English Literature leaving exam, Shakespeare and Wordsworth didn’t do it for me as teenager!
I never properly read Shakespeare, but loved Wordsworth 💖
beautiful post, Keith. she’s one of my favs
Thanks, Beth, she was one of a kind.
It is amazing how she captured things so vividly that they continue to resonate. Light works so well with this story, as does the sense of a fundamental talent continually illuminating.
She remains unequalled in that respect. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my story.
Oh, what a perfect piece to go with that picture!
I love her story and essence so much more than her writing. You should watch The Jane Austen Book Club … or read the book, which I didn’t realize until now was a thing. The movie is one of my favorites. And of course, there’s Becoming Jane (I adore Anne Hathaway).
Thanks for reminding me of a thing or two I should have watched Shawna. I really must!
This is simply gorgeous! Jane Austin has forever been a favorite .. books, films, adaptations for TV. What an amazing talent ~~~ a perfect evening is curling up in front of a fire, reading or should I say re-reading “Emma” or “Persuasion” .. thank you, Keith.
thank you so much, Helen. That does sound good!
It was lovely hearing your voice. Thanks for today’s post
Happy Sunday
Much💛love
That’s so kind of you Gillena, I actually did it in one take which is pretty rare for me!
A lovely gentle reflection Keith.
Thank you so much.
Excellent writing is excellent writing and can often draw in even the most reluctant readers.
Indeed it can. Mimi.
This is lovely beginning to end Keith. I love this and the beautiful light it sheds upon an amazing writer!
She was indeed, gone too soon. Thanks for your kind words Carrie
Wonderful write Keith, nice touch of wonder mixed in.
Thanks, Rob, that’s much appreciated.
https://www.image-verse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/F70DA4CE-335A-46A4-B46B-B2E95152A089.jpeg
That looks famiiar!
A touching remembrance of one of the great writers of the world. You took us with you to stand by her tomb and marvel at the works she left us.
~Dora
Thanks, Dorahak. I visit the cathedral often and always stop for a moment just there.
A tale lovingly told, Keith. She had the kind of talent a rainbow would pick.
Indeed. Thanks so much.