Their life is mysterious, it is like a forest; from far off it seems a unity, it can be comprehended, described, but closer it begins to separate, to break into light and shadow, the density blinds one. Within there is no form, only prodigious detail that reaches everywhere: exotic sounds, spills of sunlight, foliage, fallen trees, small beasts that flee at the sound of a twig-snap, insects, silence, flowers. And all of this, dependent, closely woven, all of it is deceiving. There are really two kinds of life. There is, as Viri says, the one people believe you are living, and there is the other. It is this other which causes the trouble, this other we long to see.”
― James Salter, Light Years
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
What a beautiful analogy. I’ll be pondering this today :)
Glad you liked the quote, Windy! Thanks.
What a thought-provoking quote, Rudri.
So glad it resonated with you, Luanne. xo
I recall reading light years ages ago – fantastic book – definitely worth reading!
Great quote.
Wolf,
I definitely need to revisit Light Years again. Some books are worth rereading. xo
Light Years is on my very short list of very favorite books. This passage is a perfect example of why. So beautiful. xo
Agreed. Each time I read this passage, I find it striking and evocative. Layers and layers with very few words – indeed, beautiful.
Wow…I’ll think on that today.