Seeing 2012 (#59)

For your consideration:  ostensibly, a seat of power . . .

Regal as it may be, this edifice speaks as much to the elegance of days long past as it does to the notion of sophisticated and well-reasoned judgement, equanimity, compassion and simply doing the right thing for its own sake . . . all elusive elements themselves in these modern times . . .

This evening I was left with a hollow sense of things, as much of what I hold as dear and cherished was afar, and on a transit of unpalatable circumstances (from where I sit).  Power is an elusive and frequently delusional concept:  in  principle I could object strenuously, but to what end?  Ultimately the Universe is in sympathetic agreement — or not.

Thus I was left the notion of sitting still with the sadness and distress, or engaging in some action — anything really — to blunt and soften the dark heaviness of the situation.  As it happens, a phone call returned lead to an unexpected dinner invitation with compassionate friends, and the spiritual and mental wolves were fed by conviviality rather than claustrophobic focus on the gap between what is yearned for and what is.  So one seat was substituted for another, and for a time at least, the heart was lifted.

This image is particularly selected to honor one of my dinner partners this evening, who has a particular penchant for photographing solitary chairs.  A nod in your direction, my friend; thanks for being there.

Courthouse Chair, Santa Barbara,CA, #6444-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: March 24, 2012; Canon 7D; f/5.6 @ 1/10 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 800;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 70mm

________


Visit my full photographic repository at jwmurray.smugmug.com