I never read A Moveable Feast—truth be known, I’ve always been turned off by Hemingway’s writing. Blame it on being “forced” to read The Old Man and the Sea not once, but twice, before I’d lived enough years to understand its significance … “Call me Ishmael …” Oh, snap. Wrong author. Wrong ocean. Different fish. Eh.
Even so, I love the following passage:
“You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person died for no reason.” ~ Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
… it is, I think, an inspiring yet dark reminder (especially considering Hemingway’s tragic death) that no matter how far down that rabbit hole we fall, there is still the promise of another day—even if it’s as far away as the spring is to fall. And I suppose it’s that very concept that fuels my love of sunrises, and my “distaste” for sunsets.
“Sunrises are the fulfillment of a promise. Tomorrow really does exist. New beginnings can start whenever you want.”
One interesting tidbit, Hemingway’s memorial in Sun Valley reads, “Best of all he loved the fall, the leaves yellow on cottonwoods, leaves floating on trout streams, and above the hills the high blue windless skies.” Poignant, don’t you think?
One final thought … perhaps its due time I’ll revisit the sea? Maybe I’d even learn a little bit about the big fish that I’ve always been too afraid to face.
Today’s post inspired by the Daily Prompt: You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence? Cover image is me, looking over a second-story balcony at one of the most insanely amazing sunrises ever.
DISCLAIMER: I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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