I’ve lived in the Patershol area of Gent for coming on two years.  My apartment is fifty metres from what I see as the most beautiful building in the city.

My fascination with the sculptures on the walls has faded as I’ve morphed from tourist to resident.  How sad.  I’ve never wanted to get “used to” anything or anyone.  My eyes need to see the freshness of each moment.

So I lingered this morning …

I joked with a couple that I was the architect “about ten years ago.  I designed it so it would look really old.”  They smiled and wished me a Merry Christmas.

Together we gazed at the images: the woman, the eagle and the flame; the player of the lute; and sitting with “man’s best friend”.  Gentle on the wall … timeless.

And then above:

So many faces.  And mom with her little ones, blessing all below. 

One particular being especially drew me in:

Such a beautiful flute lies alone on the shelf

It shone brightly

Freshly polished without need of help

But without wind, no music was produced

So he picked it up

In hopes of making this flute a part of him

So he placed his lips gently upon it

Along with his fingertips

Tenderly he used his fingers

As he began to blow

Closing his eyes as melodies started to flow

(Shaun Bolden)

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