It’s day four of the 30 day writing challenge, and today’s prompt is: Mirror.
I had a few different thoughts about how to approach this prompt, but the lines from Tennyson’s Lady Of Shalott kept playing over and over in my head, and so I felt I needed to share them. These particular lines describe Sir Lancelot as he rode across the river running past the mysterious Lady’s tower, his beauty and song luring her from her loom to the window, whereupon she was cursed. The Lady had a mirror as well, a magical one that showed her all the sights of the world as she sat alone in her chambers – when the (unspecified) curse came upon her, it ‘crack’d from side to side.’ Seven years bad luck indeed!
His broad clear brow in sunlight glow’d;
On burnish’d hooves his war-horse trode;
From underneath his helmet flow’d
His coal-black curls as on he rode,
As he rode down from Camelot.
From the bank and from the river
He flash’d into the crystal mirror,
‘Tirra lirra, tirra lirra:’
Sang Sir Lancelot.
From ‘The Lady of Shalott’, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
While describing water as a crystal mirror these days can be seen (with apologies to Tennyson) as a rather over-used simile, I do think it apt. I love the effect of reflection on water, showing us another world in reverse. As above, so below. I’ve taken a few reflection photos in my wanders, so here are some more, courtesy of the ‘crystal mirror.’





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lovely pictures and we all love a good cliche!
Sometimes the old ones are the best ones 🙂 Hope you’re well and had a lovely birthday, Geoff!
Thanks Helen. Fit as a hungry flea on vitamin supplements and enjoying the glories of being 60 plus.
Glad to hear it, Geoff 🙂 Hope you’re making the most of that bus pass.
The first official recognition came in the form of a free bowel cancer checkup the day after my birthday. #nhsefficiency
Well, that’s one way to celebrate #yikes