I live fifty metres from one of the most stunning buildings in Gent.  I arrived here three years ago, and my awareness of this particular beauty has faded.  Silly me.

Places to go, people to meet … too fast.

Like the tourists, I need to stop and stare at this ancient architecture.  To be moved, to be brought to silence.

Here’s the complete picture:

1669

Animals

Human beings looking out at the world

I love the man playing his flute.  And the family on the peak.  And the windows with circles inside.

My eyes need to settle, to drink in the majesty … whether it’s a building or a person.  To stay, not rush past to the next.

***

As many times as I forget

Catch myself charging forward

Without even knowing where I’m going

That many times I can make the choice

To stop, to breathe, and be and walk

Slowly into the mystery

(Danna Faulds)