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laura's avatar

Gorgeous writing, Zack. Isn’t it strange as time goes by, that you check in on your memories to reassure yourself that you were there then and that you’re here now? And what must that be like when you can no longer access those memories anymore? Strange how the main players in those memories might not share them anymore, or never did in the first place? I think about this all the time, just never in such an eloquent voice as yours💚💚💚

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Lara Visser's avatar

Immaculate writing, as always! The memory of your grandad at the pier is so affecting. I will see you both there on my mental returns to Dun Laoghaire.

I once sat on a bench by the bandstand, mourning all I had lost following my move to study abroad. I ate takeaway chips (because that was all I could afford), and glared bitterly at the seagulls through fearful tears and drizzle.

I returned after my graduation, wearing a pink sundress and straw wide brimmed hat. I bought a 99 and strolled aimlessly in the rare sunshine. People smiled at me. I sketched the harbour all afternoon.

Life comes full circle. We savour the retracing of steps, wholly changed and aching for all that was.

It meant so much to me to meet both you and Madeline outside the Unicorn Theatre this summer. It made me feel like I was a real person who is part of this world, and not just an anonymous creature, stuck in the past, experiencing life through my phone or vicariously through the lyrics of a billionaire pop star.

It truly was enough.

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