“It is well, at certain hours of the day and night, to look closely at the world of objects at rest. Wheels that have crossed long, dusty distances with their mineral and vegetable burdens, sacks from the coalbins, barrels and baskets, handles and hafts for the carpenter’s tool chest. From them flow the contacts of man with the earth … The used surface of things, the wear that the hands give to things, the air, tragic at times, pathetic at others, of such things – all lend a curious attractiveness to the reality of the world that should not be underprized.”
– Pablo Neruda
‘objects at rest’ is the very cool title of something waiting to be written. Thanks for sharing.
Good to find this lyrical reflection from Neruda. I’ve just started work on a piece that deals with precisely this notion so thanks for this.
This is why I love farmers tools at antique fairs…….they really do resonate.
The secret life of objects……
Thankyou for posting this.
Beautiful!!! Lovely, lovely words. I’ll add the smell of sweat. Barrels and baskets have the smell of working hands on them.
the world of objects at rest – memories in all things past but still remaining – lovely!