Inspired from a story with seemingly no plot, a short story - no beginning, middle, or end - just “fine people”… “Light Secrets” by Joseph O’Neill
We build our castles.
Sometimes these take the shape of literal architecturally elaborate fortresses that are the envy of our neighbors, simultaneously building walls that separate us yet deliver an unspoken invitation- almost a plea - to the world we seek to be acknowledged by. Our exclusivity may be a reflection of the trust we've lost in others, but our instinct to allure the attention and possibly love of others will speak without a single word. Our castles will shout ever so quietly -
“Aren't I a work of art? Beautiful and promising, like a newborn, yet mature, well-built and striking, like the first pop star you ever found yourself admiring, fawning, and dreaming of?”
Sometimes we build fantasies though - imaginary hallways and open windows that help us process the transit of a major life event or the rejection of a slammed door. We might even build guest room after guest room, in the fruitless hope that they will be soon occupied.
“Wouldn't you love to rest here with me?”
And yet! The very builders of these fantasies don't rest. You simply won't rest.