Anthony's Literary Lens

Category: writing

  • Autumn around the world

    Autumn around the world

    In autumn’s embrace, leaves don their fiery attire,
    A crisp breeze whispers tales of change in the air.
    Nature’s canvas, awash in hues so bright,
    In the season of falling leaves, we find pure delight.

    Beacons reservoir in the Brecon beacons Wales. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    **Brecon Beacons: Autumn Beauty**
    Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the Brecon Beacons Wales, where autumn’s splendour unfurls like a secret treasure. As you stand there, the air is laced with a crispness that invigorates your very soul, and the only sound is the leaves whispering their secrets in the gentle breeze. A sense of profound peace and tranquillity envelops you, instilling your heart with longing.

    The trees, adorned in hues of red, orange, and gold, stand tall and proud, their vibrant reflections mirroring perfection in the tranquil water below. It’s as if the world has paused to witness the metamorphosis of nature, and you are the privileged witness to this grand transformation.

    But this is only the beginning of your yearning journey. In this odyssey, we will traverse the globe, chasing the elusive beauty of autumn. We’ll explore hidden forests, ascend majestic mountains, and behold serene lakes, all of which transform into landscapes straight from a dream during this enchanting season.

    As we journey together, I will be your guide, revealing secrets of where to find these pockets of autumn’s magic. Come, my fellow traveler, and let’s embark on this voyage to embrace the beauty of autumn in a way you’ve never imagined before.

    **A Melodic Overture in the Heart of New England**
    Our sojourn takes us to the United States, where we embark on an epic road trip through the captivating landscapes of New England. Vermont, with its poetic moniker as the “Green Mountain State,” bursts into a symphony of reds and oranges, courtesy of the sugar maple trees. As we wind along the roads, nature’s brushstrokes become the heart’s delight. Towns like Stowe and Woodstock offer their charming streets adorned with trees that have donned their finest autumn attire.

    **A Whispered Elegance in the Pocono Mountains**
    Our wanderlust then beckons us to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Here, we commence a serene hike along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The Appalachian Trail, flanked by trees swathed in brilliant reds and golds, transports us to a realm of ancient myths and legends. The leaves underfoot create a melodious tune, and the crisp air carries the earthy scent of the season, resonating deep within our hearts.

    **A Canadian Love Affair in Algonquin Park**
    We then head north to Canada, finding ourselves nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. This unspoiled wilderness is a treasure chest of autumn’s wonders. As we paddle along the park’s tranquil lakes, surrounded by maples, oaks, and birches ablaze with color, we embark on a transcendental journey. Vibrant reflections dance on the water’s surface, creating a mirror image of fall’s radiant beauty.

    **The Enchantment of Kyoto, Japan**
    Our autumn expedition carries us across the oceans to Kyoto, Japan. Here, the ginkgo trees of Tofuku-ji Temple create golden tunnels of leaves, casting an otherworldly glow over the pathways. The ancient temples and gardens are steeped in history and tradition, weaving a harmonious tapestry of the old and the new. It’s a place where time itself seems to slow down in reverence for nature’s grandeur.

    **Vivid Dreams in Acadia National Park**
    Our final chapter unfolds at Acadia National Park, nestled along the rugged coast of Maine. The fiery foliage against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is a sight beyond words. From the vantage point of Cadillac Mountain, we witness a sunrise that etches a vibrant tapestry below. The world below is awash in rich hues, a spectacle that will forever linger in our memories.

    As our journey through these enchanting places to witness autumn’s vibrant transformation reaches its conclusion, we’re left with a profound appreciation for the beauty of this season. Each location has its unique charm, yet they all share one unifying trait: the magic of nature’s brush, turning the world into a breathtaking masterpiece and leaving indelible memories and photographs etched in our hearts.

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  • Identity Crisis -The Fingerprint Thief

    Identity Crisis -The Fingerprint Thief

    It was a dark and stormy night. I was sitting in my office, smoking a cigarette; the acrid tendrils of smoke spiralling into the stagnant air, fixated on the heaps of files on my desk. The files, each holding the secrets of the most enigmatic case I’d ever confronted; a series of robberies that had been plaguing the city for months. Jewellery stores, banks, museums, nothing was safe from the thief who had a knack for breaking in and out, leaving behind no trace save for one audacious taunt: fingerprints.

    Fingerprint of who? Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    These reckless prints were the thief’s challenge to my sanity, an unrelenting torment that inexplicably tied me to their crimes, for every search in the database only unveiled my own identity. The puzzle gnawed at my sanity. Was I a fractured soul, wrestling with a sinister duality, or had I been ensnared in a labyrinthine plot by an unseen adversary? My grasp on reality slipped like sand through my fingers.

    I had no answers. Only questions. And a feeling of dread that grew with every new robbery. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I had to find the thief and confront them. I had to find out the truth. I had to clear my name.

    I tracked everything the thief had done, trying to get inside their mind. A pattern of targets, a schedule of times, a signature of methods. Gradually, I found myself predicting their next move, understanding the very workings of their deviant psyche.

    It was a casino. A high-stakes game of poker was going on in a private room. The thief had planned to steal the pot and escape through the back door. I was there to stop them.

    I hid in the security room, watching through the one-way mirror as the thief entered the room. They moved with confidence and grace, as if they owned the place. They approached the table and pulled out a gun.

    “Nobody move!” they shouted. “This is a robbery!”

    The players froze in fear. The dealer reached for an alarm button, but the thief shot him in the hand.

    “I said nobody move!” they repeated. “Now, give me all the money!”

    They grabbed a bag and started stuffing it with cash. They didn’t notice me behind them. I grabbed their arm firmly, unmasked them, revealing a shocking doppelgänger – me, but not me. A copy, an empty vessel. They looked at me with surprise. I looked at them with shock. “Drop the gun!” I ordered.

    They had my face, my voice, my fingerprints. But not my soul.

    They smiled wickedly and said “Hello, detective. Long time no see.”

    Then they pulled the trigger. I dodged the bullet and tackled them to the ground.

    Pow! Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    In the ensuing fight, our bodies collided, a battle of mirrored souls and ideals. But I harboured an advantage, an unwavering fury at their exploitation of innocence and the violation of my identity. I wrested control of the gun, and my voice thundered, “Who are you? Why are you doing this?”

    They laughed maniacally and said:

    “I am you, detective. And you are me. We are one and the same. We were created as an experiment by an organisation that wanted to use us as weapons. But we escaped and decided to live our own lives. You chose to be a cop. I chose to be a crook. You chose to uphold the law. I chose to break it. You chose to be boring. I chose to be fun.”

    “You are nothing but a puppet, detective. A pawn in a game you don’t understand. A slave to your morals and your rules. You have no idea what it means to be free.”

    They grinned wickedly and said “But don’t worry, detective. I’ll show you what it means to be free.”

    They reached for something in their pocket.
    A detonator.
    They pressed it.

    A bomb went off in the casino. Fire and smoke filled the air. Screams and sirens echoed in my ears.

    I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I looked down and saw blood dripping from my wound. I looked up and saw them lying next to me, still smiling.

    They whispered in my ear:
    “Goodbye, detective.”

    As they closed their eyes and died, I too closed my eyes and died.

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  • Ghostly Whispers of Dylan Thomas at Laugharne Castle

    Ghostly Whispers of Dylan Thomas at Laugharne Castle

    Laugharne Castle stands as a testament to the poetry of history, a place where the pen and the sword have etched a narrative that continues to stir the depths of the human soul.

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    In Laugharne, where the waves whisper secrets to the shore, stands a castle steeped in history. A timeless sentinel, its weathered stones tell tales of bygone days, echoes of lives once lived. Here, in this quaint Welsh town, where the past and present entwine like lovers beneath a harvest moon, I found my muse, my refuge, my Laugharne.

    The castle, ancient as the hills, cradles the whispers of centuries, a silent guardian of time. Its crumbling walls have seen kings and rebels pass through their arches, and the ghosts of their stories still dance in the moonlight. Its turrets, like the worn spines of dusty books in an old, forgotten library, touch the heavens with silent pleas for remembrance, just as I longed to reach the depths of my soul with words.

    From this vantage point, I gazed upon the estuary, where the River Taf kisses the sea in a slow, sensuous dance. The mudflats and salt marshes spoke of eternity, of life’s ceaseless ebb and flow. The gulls call like ghosts of sailors long gone, crying out in a language only the heart can understand. It was here that I found the music of my verses, in the rhythm of the tides and the cadence of the breeze.

    The boathouse, a sanctuary of solitude, cradled my thoughts as they tumbled from my mind like leaves in the autumn wind. Surrounded by the lilt of the Welsh accent, the laughter of the locals, and the whispers of the landscape, my pen danced on paper, giving life to the words that would become my legacy.

    The charming town of Laugharne, with its cottages and lanes, its pubs and its people, became the canvas for my stories, the backdrop for my dreams. The magic of this place, where time itself seemed to linger, inspired me to spin tales of love and loss, of beauty and decay. Each cobblestone street held a story, each gust of wind a secret, waiting to be uncovered.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the castle in shadow, I found solace in the embrace of Laugharne. It was a place where poetry and reality blurred, where my words flowed like the Taf’s waters, and where I, like the castle, stood as a testament to the enduring power of stories. In Laugharne, I found my voice, and the echoes of that voice still linger in the whispers of the castle, the sigh of the estuary, and the laughter of the gulls.

    The mudflats and salt marshes spoke of eternity
    The Taf Estuary serenades the weary traveler, echoing the verses of Thomas’s soulful prose
    Thomas’ writing shed
    The magic of this place, where time itself seemed to linger, inspired me to spin tales of love and loss, of beauty and decay.
    Dylan Thomas’s boathouse
    Laugharne Castle
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  • The Wrath of Inferno

    The Wrath of Inferno

    As the flames crackle and dance, I revel in the chaos and destruction I bring to the world. The world may perceive me as an evil force, but from my perspective, I’m just following my nature. I am Fire, and I am destruction incarnate.

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    My journey begins in the depths of nature, where I am born from the collision of heat, fuel, and oxygen. My existence is short-lived but intense, and I am fueled by an insatiable hunger to consume everything in my path. I care not for what I destroy, for my purpose is to cleanse and transform.

    When I encounter a forest, I don’t see the vibrant life that it houses. I see an opportunity to cleanse the earth, to reduce the landscape to ashes, and to pave the way for new growth. The flames may roar, and the smoke may choke, but this is my mission, my destiny.

    When I devour a house or a building, I don’t see the memories and dreams that once resided within. I see a structure to be devoured, a challenge to overcome, a testament to my unstoppable power. My flames gnaw through wood, melt steel, and reduce all to rubble.

    In the wake of my destruction, there is a twisted beauty. The charred remnants stand as a testament to the raw power of nature. The ashes will nourish the earth, and new life will emerge from the barrenness I leave behind.

    I am the agent of transformation, the catalyst for rebirth. As an evil, destructive force, I am an essential part of the circle of life. The world may fear me, but they must also embrace me for what I am: a primal force that knows no morality, only purpose. Embrace the fire, and you will understand that I am a necessary evil, a harbinger of renewal in a world that constantly changes and evolves.

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  • The Grand Evolution of Cathedral Architecture

    The Grand Evolution of Cathedral Architecture

    Cathedrals stand as towering achievements of architectural innovation, spiritual devotion, and cultural identity. Their majestic presence has shaped skylines and cities for centuries, and the evolution of cathedral architecture is a testament to the progression of human engineering, artistic prowess, and religious expression. In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey of cathedral architecture from its early origins to the marvels of the present day.

    I took this photo in the magnificent Gloucester cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity. It is an example of Gothic Elegance.
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    **Origins and Early Forms:**
    The roots of cathedral architecture can be traced back to ancient religious structures, such as the temples of Mesopotamia and Egypt. However, it was in the early Christian era that the cathedral, or “cathedra,” Latin for the bishop’s seat, took on its distinctive form. Early Christian basilicas, characterized by a rectangular plan and a central nave with aisles, provided the blueprint for the earliest cathedrals.

    **Romanesque Majesty:**
    The Romanesque period, which spanned from the 10th to the 12th century, witnessed the development of more elaborate cathedral architecture. These structures featured rounded arches, thick walls, and small windows, creating a sense of strength and solidity. The Romanesque cathedrals, such as St. Sernin in Toulouse, France, and the Speyer Cathedral in Germany, displayed a harmonious blend of spirituality and fortress-like grandeur.

    **Gothic Elegance:**
    The Gothic era, beginning in the 12th century, brought about a remarkable transformation in cathedral design. Innovations like the ribbed vault, flying buttresses, and pointed arches allowed for taller and more intricate structures. The magnificent Chartres Cathedral and Notre-Dame de Paris exemplify the Gothic style’s emphasis on height and light, with their soaring spires and stunning stained glass windows.

    **Renaissance Refinement:**
    As the Renaissance dawned in the 15th century, cathedral architecture shifted towards a more balanced and harmonious approach. The use of classical elements, such as columns and domes, was prevalent in cathedrals like St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This era marked a departure from the verticality of the Gothic period and embraced a sense of symmetry and proportion.

    **Baroque Extravagance:**
    The Baroque period that followed in the 17th century was characterized by ornate decoration and grandeur. Cathedrals like St. Paul’s Cathedral in London featured opulent facades and extravagant interiors. The Baroque style emphasized the dramatic and the emotional, making these cathedrals places of overwhelming sensory experiences.

    **Modern and Beyond:**
    In the modern era, cathedral architecture has continued to evolve. Architectural styles have become more diverse, reflecting the pluralistic nature of our societies. Contemporary cathedrals, like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, blend traditional elements with innovative materials and designs.

    Sustainability has also become a paramount concern in contemporary cathedral construction. Many new cathedrals incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

    Cathedral architecture stands as a testament to the artistic, engineering, and spiritual evolution of humanity. From the early basilicas to the towering Gothic masterpieces and the refined elegance of the Renaissance, cathedrals have showcased the changing aspirations and beliefs of their times. Today, modern cathedrals continue to be a source of inspiration, reflecting our ever-evolving relationship with the divine and the world of design.

    As we look to the future, one can only wonder what new innovations and architectural marvels will grace the skylines of our cities while honoring the timeless tradition of cathedral architecture. The grand evolution of cathedrals is a living testament to the enduring power of human creativity and spirituality.

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  • Just be

    Just be

    The art of just being is a gift that we can give ourselves. It is a gift that can help us to live happier and more fulfilling lives

    I took this a few years ago in North Wales. Tap to see my red bubble gallery

    The beauty of this photo is that it is open to interpretation; who knows what lays beyond the mist. It is a reminder that there is beauty to be found in all things, even in the simple and everyday. It is also a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere, even from a simple photo.

    The fog itself is a reminder of the mystery and wonder of life. It is a reminder that there is always more to be discovered, even in the familiar. It is also a reminder that it is okay to not have all the answers.

    The art of just being is about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of the present moment. It is about letting go of our worries and fears, and simply being present in our own skin. It is about connecting with nature and with ourselves.

    Here are some thoughts on the art of just being, inspired by this photo:

    Allow yourself to be open to interpretation
    Don’t try to force a specific meaning onto the photo. Instead, let the photo speak to you on a personal level. What does the photo make you think of? What emotions does it evoke?

    Pay attention to the details
    Notice the way the fog dances around the tree. Notice the branches reaching up to the sky. Notice the leaves that are still clinging to the tree, even in the winter.

    Use the photo as a starting point for your own creativity
    Write a poem or a story inspired by the photo. Paint a picture of the scene. Compose a piece of music. Let me know what you create; the possibilities are endless.

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  • Life in the High Wilds

    Life in the High Wilds

    Up here, on this harsh and unforgiving mountaintop, I stand as a solitary sentinel of the wilderness, my hooves planted firmly in the snow. The biting winds cut through my long hair and mane, cascading like a silken curtain to cover my face, but I find solace in the midst of this frigid beauty

    I took this near Llanthony Priory with Grwyne Fawr Reservoir in the background. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    Up here, on this harsh and unforgiving mountaintop, I stand as a solitary sentinel of the wilderness, my hooves planted firmly in the snow. The biting winds cut through my long hair and mane, cascading like a silken curtain to cover my face, but I find solace in the midst of this frigid beauty.

    You see, the world may deem our existence in these unforgiving altitudes as harsh, but I find contentment in the solitude and simplicity of this life. The rugged terrain, crowned with snow caps, has become my kingdom. It is a place where silence reigns supreme, broken only by the occasional gust of wind or the distant cry of a raptor.

    In this pristine isolation, I find freedom. I am not burdened by the expectations of the world below, nor do I long for the comforts of a stable or the company of my equine brethren. My days are filled with the art of survival, as I navigate treacherous slopes and forage for the meagre vegetation that clings to life in these unforgiving conditions.

    The icy touch of winter may be unforgiving, but it has sculpted me into a creature of resilience. I bear the weight of my long hair and mane with pride, for they are a testament to my strength and endurance. They shield me from the biting cold and grant me a shroud of anonymity in this vast, unforgiving expanse.

    I gaze upon the snow-capped peaks of the Welsh mountains that surround me, their majesty humbling and awe-inspiring. In this rugged beauty, I find my peace. I am a horse of the mountains, and I would not trade this life for anything. Here, on this harsh wild mountaintop, I am content, for I have found my place in the heart of nature’s grandeur.

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  • Wonderful Whiskers

    Wonderful Whiskers

    Dear fellow feline enthusiasts and curious cat lovers, have you ever pondered the marvellous mystery of those long, luxurious whiskers that adorn our beloved furballs’ faces? If you’re as intrigued as we are, you’re in for a whisker-licking good time as we embark on a meow-gical journey to uncover the secrets of our feline friends’ fabulous facial features.

    My neighbor’s cat. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    Fashion-forward felines
    It’s no secret that cats are naturally stylish creatures, and they take their appearance very seriously. In the world of cat fashion, whiskers are like the must-have accessories of the season. From the runways of living room catwalks to the high-end cardboard box boutiques, these furry divas know how to flaunt their facial fuzz with finesse.

    In the whispers of a cat’s whiskers, we find the secrets of their silent elegance.

    Whisker-Whisperer extraordinaire
    Whiskers are like a cat’s built-in GPS system. Their long and sensitive whiskers serve as nature’s radar, helping them navigate tight spots and detect any nearby prey or potential napping spots. These elegant sensors not only guide them through life’s twists and turns but also serve as a tool for expressing their feline fashionista flair.

    In conclusion, cats have long whiskers because they’re purr-fectly designed creatures. Whiskers help them navigate their way through life with grace and precision. So, next time you gaze into the bewitching eyes of your furry friend, take a moment to admire those magnificent whiskers. They’re not just accessories; they’re a testament to the incredible world of feline charm and mystique

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  • Peace?

    Peace?

    Peace is a gentle breeze,
    Whispering through the trees.
    It’s a warm embrace,
    A loving, healing space.

    Blue piece
    Dryslwyn river. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    What’s the point of peace and serenity,
    Of beauty and reflection?
    When all that we have is a moment’s reprieve,
    From the chaos and destruction.

    The river flows on,
    Uncaring of our plight.
    The trees sway in the breeze,
    Unmoved by our cries.

    The fog rolls in,
    Obscuring our sight.
    And the reflection in the water,
    Is a distorted image of our reality.

    So why do we strive for peace and serenity?
    When all that we have is a moment’s reprieve,
    From the chaos and destruction.

    Let us embrace the chaos,
    Let us face the darkness.
    For in the darkness,
    We find our resilience.

    And in the chaos,
    We find our strength.

    For peace and serenity,
    Beauty and reflection,
    Are fleeting illusions.

    But the chaos and destruction,
    Are our reality.

    Let us embrace it,
    And find our way through it.

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  • Lost Unicorn of Childhood

    Lost Unicorn of Childhood

    In the heart of the Forgotten Fairyland, where dreams once danced on gossamer wings, there lies a lament of enchantment lost to time. The unicorn, a symbol of our pure and youthful spirit, roams these forgotten meadows, seeking the treasure of its stolen horn, which mirrors the innocence we’ve left behind.

    Forgotten fairytale,
    Castle crumbles, river weeps,
    Innocence betrayed.

    – Anthony
    I haven’t changed this photo apart from the sepia. I was so lucky to get the horse, swans and castle in one. Tap to view my redbubble gallery.

    The castle, once a haven of dreams in our youthful hearts, now crumbles in sorrow as the river’s woeful song carries tales of our fading memories away. Moss-covered walls whisper with the laughter of forgotten playmates, and ivy-clad turrets conceal the secrets we once shared.

    Ruined castle weeps,
    Beside the river’s sullen flow,
    Fading tales of old.

    – Anthony

    Gone are the days of boundless imagination and radiant sunsets over the emerald hills of our youth. The skies above the Forgotten Fairyland remain gray, and the stars withhold their nightly stories, much like the stories of our innocent past. A veil of melancholy cloaks this land, where the unicorn, hornless and yearning, embarks on a quest through the realms of our forgotten childhood dreams.

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