When the sun returned after a week of rain I remember how nice Clifton can get. The sky is a uniform blue with the tiniest fluffy clouds stitched in. A perfect day for a long walk, or game of football..
But for me the sunlight was a distraction, like the pile of dirty clothes near the bathroom. There is a new section on my cork board, entitled ‘experiences.’ Underneath is a list of my sightings, broken down into objects. The taiI. The giant axe. The flaming beard. The tweed suit. They provide constant inspiration for web searches, and the truth.
The dinosaur we know already. The tweed suit ties me to the Butter Mouse. The other two have freaked me out. Let me explain their connections to the history of Bristol.
According to local legend, Goram and Ghyston (or possibly Vincent) were two giants responsible for carving out Clifton Gorge (you can find more at the link). Although the legends vary, many tell of them using an axe to carve out the great channel below the Suspension Bridge.
On my first typing of this blog, I misspelt ‘axe’ as ‘ace.’ A coincidence I am sure.
I am sure it is a coincidence too that I formed my own axe a few months ago.
Let’s look at the flaming beard. I knew the story of Edward Teach, Blackbeard Perhaps the most famous pirate in history. What was new to me is that he resided in Bristol. There is every chance he walked the streets of Clifton.
I think back to the King of Spades, the King of Hearts, already revealed. Both with their thick black beards.
My thoughts spin round like juggling balls. Before my research I was not aware of those connections to my city. If this is imagination, my brain chose images not at random, but in line with my investigation. Except the illusions occured before the fuel to create them.
But let us imagine these are visions of something real. Does this mean giants exist? Edward Teach may have walked the streets near my house, but did not do so in pirate gear with smoke pouring from his beard.
The Butter Mouse’s book has provided creative inspiration. Let’s hope his word inspire answers too.
Perhaps you think I need to get out of my stuffy flat, and go for a walk. Clear my head. I do not think this will help.
I have taken to wearing one item of Butter Mouse clothing on most days. Perhaps I should invest in a tweed face mask.
Creative exercise follows next week.
