There is something beautiful about that which is broken, or that which is in danger of breaking. The fragility belonging to some objects and beings makes them all the more precious, perhaps due to the fact that they could be destroyed at any moment, and so an effort must be made to cherish their existence. Perhaps also, it is thanks to a sort of protective, parental instinct that they invoke in certain people.
I am a great admirer of the fragile aesthetic. Delicate creatures possess a tenderness and purity. They are broken birds, subtle creations lost in an unsubtle world. In our society, strength and sturdiness is often valued more than fragility, but it will always be those on the verge of breaking who hold my attention. Everybody seems to want to be strong and powerful, but not me. I find nothing really that wrong with being vulnerable.
I think, though, that there is a kind of difference between fragile objects and fragile individuals. The former can break, and then it only exists as a hollow memory of its former self. And yes, that can happen to people too, but with the latter, no matter how broken and battered they are, they still keep on going. In a way, the delicate among us can sometimes be the strongest of us all. But then, on the other hand, there are times when it is all too much for them, and they crack from the strain and pressure.
For better or for worse, I shall forever be a fragile thing.
Adored and reblogged! Say, do you know the book “Beauty” by John O’Donohue? I just started reading it. I love John O’Donohue’s work! Surely you’ve heard of this fellow countryman of yours?
Thank you. 🙂 Hmm, the name sounds familiar, but I don’t think I’ve read anything of his. Is this the book? http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Invisible-Embrace-John-ODonohue/dp/0060196432 Looks like something I’d enjoy.
Yes that’s it!
Beautiful – songs, written content, and you. 🙂
😛
I love how broken people can keep going because they are maimed, but they have incredible strength to go on, after all they have been through. I am a bit of a sucker for putting my characters through terrible trials to see if they can stand up to them. I think I may be turning into rather a sadistic author. Broken birds will always have my heart.
I can be a bit of a sadist to my own characters at times myself. 😛
There’s a beauty in the broken.