These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp’d tow’rs, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on; and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.
–W. Shakespeare, The Tempest, 4.1
Prospero’s words to Miranda and Ferdinand are beautiful and disquieting to be sure but for me hold special significance. They are the first words from literature I committed to memory. I was 10 years old and five years into my education in a one-room schoolhouse when an adventurous teacher veered from the largely biblical coursework to sit with me as I read The Tempest. He helped me understand the Old English, the inside jokes to audiences watching from the pit, and the crafty literary devices Shakespeare used to transport the crowds to magical places. I loved every minute of it.
Not only was I mesmerized by the story as it unfolded but I was thrilled by this tiny glimpse of life outside of my rigidly parochial schooling. It became the springboard from which I dove into an enriching sea of great literature–a sea I’ve been swimming in ever since. Shakespeare may have felt that, in the end, everything dissolves leaving nothing behind but he was wrong on at least one count. Thirty or so years later I can still recite this scene from memory and it still fills me with joy. Nearly 400 years after he wrote them, his words changed a boy’s life and I suspect they’ll change many more lives for centuries to come.
32 Comments
It is 2 AM where I live and unable to sleep so checked your site; your comments, as well as your photo touched me greatly. A lot to ponder in those words!
fantastic dramatic sky, love the color tone
very dramatic and powerful!
Forsooth, the bard influenced my early days of reading great literature as well. The Tempest is a favorite of mine along with others. Great shot and tribute today Christopher!
I liked it. You enhanced the clouds- wonders of the clouds. And you included the words of Shakespeare- just brilliant!
This is cinematic – the drama of the sky and sea. It looks like it’s gonna rain like crazy. Great beach shot Christopher!
even when the sea is churning it’s breath-taking.
Dramatic photography and words
…and interesting, It would be nice to think that future generations will get to love feeling of paper. ..but whatever the medium as long as they read hey!
quel ciel fabuleux !
Menacing sky, churning and tumbling waves, and somewhat disquieting words.
But, on the other hand, I don’t agree with Shakespeare even though I do agree in our own temporary time here. That’s why it’s such a joy to pass on something of the beauty we see–and even might be. Perhaps we can change a life, a heart, and a mind…and that small change can go on and on. This prompts so many thoughts, Christoper. Well done.
Your rock & rolling skies in that special hue & light are superb !
Love this sky and the proximity with the sea. Wonderful light !!
Fantastic! So drama in those clouds and ocean waves… did you take this image with a Grad Filter?
how do you do it Christopher. you capture a moment and put words filled with intelligence and emotion that stir my thoughts and want to search for more. thank you.
Wonderfull photo!
Nice day to you!
Ominous cloudy sky, looks fantastic!
Awesome image. Fitting prose for your image. I too enjoy Shakespeare and have been reading them one by one for simple enjoyment.
A sky heavy as I like them to make photos. I like this image
The atmosphere is heavy but the sky is nonetheless beautiful. Superb, Christopher!
I absolutely love the tones in this image Christopher!
Love the words accompanying this amazing and atmospheric shot! Wonderful stuff, Christopher!
This is a wonderful shot Christopher. I love the dark storm clouds and the pier at the end is great. Very well composed, you nailed this one.
This is so aptly titled – what wonderful clouds! I love the mood.
magical shot, atmo, place … K
terrific sky and depth i love this perfect horizont line, very nicely done Chris
Beautiful. All of it. The words..and the evocative image!!!
very dramatic and heavy image
thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Dramatic Atmosphere…. Lovely Picture
Dramatically and expressively
Great work
Very dramatic, incredible atmosphere you have captured here.
Ahhh, i like dramatic sky, well choise to give the sky the great space .. like it very much.
Great dramatic sky.