Aldwinckle, Eric, Letter, 8 September [1944]

Letter, Eric Aldwinckle dated September 8, 1944.
Description: 
Letter to Harry Somers

Tabs

Case Study: 
Creative Dialogue Across the Ocean: Eric Aldwinckle’s Letters to Harry Somers
Creator: 
Aldwinckle, Eric
Source: 
letter
Date: 
8 September [1944]
Place: Belgium
Collection/Fonds: 
Contributer: 
McMaster University Libraries
Rights: 
Copyright, public domain: McMaster University owns the rights to the archival copy of the digital image in TIFF format. Reproduced with the kind permission of Margaret Bridgman.

Identifier: 
00001606
Language: 
eng
Type: 
image
Format: 
jpg
Transcript: 

F/O Eric Aldwinckle C23733 RCAF 39 Recce Wing overseas
Sept. 8
Dear Harry,
as the canoe slips through the crystal waters, and the drips from two rested paddles tap gently on nature's celeste, revealed by our own silence, I marvel, transported in spirit, for in our stillness I swear we do not move, but that the silent rocks on either side, and the immaculate reflection of rocks, soar gently past us, unwinding a moving picture without a single mechanical tick. It is so pure it is no longer real. This time I'm not alone for at your most welcome suggestion; by your comprehension, we are here, sharing the experience unique, and so it is twice magnificent. But come, let us spade the receptive waters with our smooth paddles. It is no effort with our heavy load. The sun is lower and we must seek a site and work and sweat a little if we are to know the pleasure of food or rest; of thin white shelter from the not unfriendly September elements. Soon you shall see it flowering humbly beneath some distinguished pine or balsam which breathes its perfume upon our home.
It is difficult to believe, sometimes, that these rocks did not design themselves especially for canoe harbours, and slipways