Dear darling,

Would you prefer to stand underneath the Eiffel Tower and gaze up at the grand structure of steel or would you prefer to marvel at the twinkling wonder from a distance?

—

A fortnight ago, I rested on the steps of a cathedral in the heart of Brussels. I had my back to it.  You can say that I had made the decision to experience the sunset instead of the architecture. Strategically, it was not possible to see them both at the same time.  And when I momentarily turned my back to the bowing sun, the looming building frowned down upon me.

Sunset and the cathedral – thing of beauty, they both were, but achingly different. Fleeting beauty casted longing shadows on the one with strength and permanence.  The meeting was painfully bittersweet but while it lasted, the spectators sighed at the unfolding tale. Lover gazed upon the beloved. Beauty is separation. They meet and separate, again and again. Separation is beauty. I can say that because when the meeting was over, I felt something. I felt content and disoriented. I had gained and lost.

If I go back to that moment in time – I consciously chose the transient.  I might have felt different if I had decided to stare at the cathedral instead. I do not know.

—

Imagine narcissism divorced from reflection. Will you still prefer to be a thing of beauty? To be admired and gazed upon – by yourself and others. Or will you then seek beauty to feast upon? Admire and admiration. Temporary, it is. You will never be able to possess it, either way.

I desire to gaze upon beauty –

‘tis truth.

I desire to gaze upon beauty, from afar –

there is disaster in proximity.

I desire to gaze upon beauty, from afar, for a moment –

that is grace.

You are the sunset and the cathedral.You are perpetually in conversation with the world as it makes you change constantly. Denounce it, I tell you. Get rid of the one who forces your hand. After separation, find solace in your essence.

Do not despair at my words. The truth about beauty lies within you, have the courage to reflect. When truth is within you, keep your gaze on the world but for a moment. No more, lest you forget your inner beauty.