OF ESSENCE AND CHARM

The holy colors and sounds that the place had evoked since my early childhood, are not there any longer. It used to be a mixture of intensity, life and symmetry that, though paradoxical, could take you by surprise. Such paradise, out of the concrete pavement that surrounded you, brought a sense of relief and, at the same time, excitement. I don’t doubt neither that this aura still remains where it used to be, nor that the majority of the visitors have the same experience. I, simply, don’t feel that way anymore. The essence of the flowers isn’t as fierce, the charm of the dragonflies becomes threatening. There is something different. Perhaps it is a mist or a veil that covers the atmosphere. Perhaps the colors aren’t as opaque, rather paler. Perhaps the ink that powered the shine of the flowers has dried for an instant. The acanthus, gorgeous maroon flower, looks washed-out. I have been here, I reckon, but have I?

Entering the maze lost, anxious, alone, but in the good way -because that can happen-, helps me find the courage to escape and, at the same time, let go so the tide can carry me away. I am frightened that the octagon that blankets Eros in the middle of the tangled, bushy, pathways, will paint a shadowy moon within its limits and I will miss the show. Luckily, I don’t. The light has started the performance and I am willing to sit down, stare at the ground and wait for the white sculpture to be, slowly, covered by the shade.

Having a glance at the allegories to love in the park I discover “De un ardiente frenesí/Eco y Narciso abrasados/fallecen enamorados/ella de él y él de sí” written in the inscription of the monument to Echo and Narcissus. Echo, the innocent nymph that responded for herself no more -thanks to Hera-, became the answer in all the caves and dark tunnels. Narcissus, the present conception of self-esteem -the one that says that you should always go first- driven to madness. Chaos and frustration, after all. Rather than pleasing, this fountain makes me wonder the role in my own life: Should I take it as an advice?

Vertex, axis and reflection, elements of the Park that don’t go unnoticed to me. They challenge me and conclude an enriching visit to one of my favorite, although sore, places on Earth.