The Bangor writing course has reminded me of the importance of time travel in writing. Where a character may actually be in a literal sense may often seem far less interesting than where they feel they are emotionally or ‘psychically’. So here is an old piece of writing where the character of Demeter is exploring ‘place’ through a significant encounter…
Demeter had seen her. She had been waiting and now she had seen her. Of course Demeter knew that if she looked for the woman then the woman would not be there. But when she didn’t look in that way, then of course the shape of the golden woman appeared. And how golden she was. The light caught at her hair and radiated a heat that burnt at Demeter. All the years between here and then just sprinkled around at the edges of the woman.
Why did everyone worry about history thought Demeter and caught at the woman’s shape as she walked towards home. History was just a net to convince you that things could be caught and stared at.
The golden haired woman smiled at Demeter through time’s amber corridor, and for once Demeter did not feel alone. She had reached the gate and felt through her damp gloves at the key in her pocket. She stood still and felt the orange shape start to cover her arms and her feet, then her mouth started to taste of orange too and she moved her tongue slowly around her mouth. The ground unsteadied her shifting slabs of stone and planting flowers; orange and purple cyclamen she whispered; orange and blue hibiscus.
‘All for you Demeter’ the woman vowed.’Allfor you’ and then slipped away with her golden light into the shadows, before Demeter could whisper her thanks.
