Start with a photograph. The room holds nearly fifty years of summer memories, yet in September light looks antique-calm. Cut the picture into squares. Details jump out. Wooden door latch, cork in a bottle, things three generations take for granted. Damages and renovations. Layer in strips of other details: some sharp and others hazy. Try to nail down something of the past. Pattern, color, flavor. In the end, stillness remains. The well-loved room is often empty now. End of summer. Time to go.
© Ariel Swartley
