Comments | idler_1814: Shades of Glory

idler_1814

Shades of Glory

Oct 26, 2006 13:10

Comments 14

iansmomesq October 27 2006, 13:07:47 UTC

Now that's beautiful.

idler_1814 October 28 2006, 04:40:41 UTC

Thank you so much! Your approval is *much* appreciated.

I just couldn't write this thing without interjecting a note of hope. We know Bush isn't stuck ashore forever, and I've also found a mention that Temeraire herself was briefly recommissioned before becoming a receiving ship. Haven't found actual documentation for it....yet. But it would be a lovely parallel, if it's true.

sharpiefan October 27 2006, 18:37:58 UTC

That put a lump in my throat. I echo iansmomesq. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

idler_1814 October 28 2006, 04:43:26 UTC

Many, many thanks!

Not all heroism takes place in battle, after all.

black_hound October 28 2006, 00:36:54 UTC

He placed his hand on her scarred timber once more, two oaken hearts in full accord.

That? Pretty much covers it.

idler_1814 October 28 2006, 04:28:51 UTC

Thank you!

I don't think it was any accident that CSF chose to put Bush aboard Temeraire, and made her the only ship Bush ever reminisces about. CSF has done this kind of thing a time or two, using ships' names (or in this case, history) to further an idea. As he did with Atropos, for example...or the brig Hornblower is aboard when he sees Caudebec for the first time: Porta Coeli...Heaven's Gate.

There are more than a few parallels between Bush and the real-life Temeraire ....I tried to point out some of them along the way without actually saying so directly until Bush eventually figured it out for himself.

And it was pretty common (and not as fanciful as it seems today) for sailors to view their ships almost as living things, with a soul; I'd be willing to bet that Bush was no exception.

So....I stirred that all together, and this is what I got.

Thanks for reading, and commenting!

romanticalgirl January 31 2007, 21:39:01 UTC

This is just gorgeous. Bush understands better than anyone the soul of a ship, and he loves his girls beyond all things. Such a loving portrait you've painted of him!

idler_1814 February 1 2007, 15:50:25 UTC

Thank you! Bush--especially as CSF protrayed him--was not the most glamorous of men, but there is still much to admire.

ladyburgundy March 23 2007, 07:10:03 UTC

Very moving. You really seem to have the gift of creating the atmosphere and feel of things.

idler_1814 March 23 2007, 16:14:19 UTC

Oh, thank you so very much! It's what every writer strives for, I think...so your gift of such a generous compliment really makes my day.