A Gathering of Pipes and Men: Difference between revisions

[[File:Gerstel-African.jpg|thumb]]There is no agenda at these meetings, secretaries, votes take or conclusions reached. Subjects are not declined or prohibited.  Each pipe may speak or be silent in with courtesy and temperament, understanding they will meet again. All wish to be on good terms. Though of different shades of skin, appearance and language, there is no discrimination and none are superior to the other. As men they were buried in elaborate caskets of polished walnut and labeled brass or left on the ground for scavenging animals. They fell to disease, age or sword; they now share what passes for Eternity.  They look as they did in their strength, the way they wished to be seen, known, remembered. They are locked into their age.

[[File:Gerstel_Meer-1-Bearded-Helmet.jpg|thumb|left]]The soldiers speak of conquest and the fine points of combat and strategy, attack and withdrawal. The traders whisper of commerce; the priests of God, converts and Rome. The seafarers talk of dragons, Patagonian Giants and landfalls which ascend from the blue green sea and host the fragrance of cinnamon. There are mermaids for every taste and perversion.  

David Gerstel<br>

Sarnano, Italy<br>

First published in [https://italicsmag.com/2023/05/25/a-gathering-of-pipes-and-men/ italicsmag]