Another urge to capture memories today. As I have in a couple of other posts, I’m going to borrow the format of Joe Brainard’s memoir, where each memory is simply preceded by the words I remember.
I remember the first time I discovered that I could soften the focus of my eyes, and how I marveled at the streetlights passing overhead whilst I stared out of the car window. I remember how it felt like actual magic—as if I could conjure fireworks whenever I wanted to.
I remember looking up at Tower Bridge for the first time at night. I remember the feeling it caused in my chest, and how I’d never felt anything like it. I remember trying to figure out if it was a good feeling or a bad one. I remember wanting to feel it anyway.
I remember my first bonfire night at Pitchcroft racecourse. I remember feeling the energy seemingly coursing through the whole crowd. I remember sensing the warmth on my cheeks, and the cold in my toes. I remember being transfixed by the flames.
I remember watching Aladdin with my classmates at Northwick Cinema. I remember wishing that I could watch every movie with all of my friends. I remember feeling like the luckiest kid in the world to be watching a movie during the school day.
I remember visiting Worcester Cathedral for the first time and being amazed that anyone could build anything like it. I remember taking a liking to the gargoyles, but wondering why gargoyles had been added—and in fact, what they actually were.
I remember the first time I went camping. I remember the feeling of glee as I pulled my sleeping bag up around me, and how I wished I could always use a sleeping bag from now on. I remember how strange it felt to be so exposed, and yet to feel totally safe.
I remember the whole class going to Miss Scott’s house during the summer. I remember sitting in her garden eating ice lollies in the sun. I remember wondering why we didn’t visit other teacher’s houses—or perhaps, why we were visiting this one.
I remember sitting in Gheluvelt Park at night time. I remember feeling like it was the first time I’d ever really experienced the world when it went dark. I remember that we brought a blanket to keep me warm. I don’t remember why we were sat there.