
Photo: Na’ama Yehuda
Down memory lane
Where small feet
Came to learn,
And the stories
Of pain and resistance
Remain,
Where the concepts
Of secret and magic
A house may
Contain,
Filled my mind with
Both worry
And wonder
Again
And again.
Note: The photo (taken in 2008) is of the fence and alleyway hugging the perimeter of an estate in my childhood town where science, historical espionage, ‘betrayal by pigeon’, capture, torture, hidden tunnels, and suicide were all shared in pretty graphic detail with primary school children during school-tours of the location (complete with yellowed photos, blood stains, personal effects, pistol, tunnel in the bathroom and all). The museum hosted children from all around, but us local kids held the place (which was and still is located right near the town’s center), in a combination of fascination, awe, horror, and perhaps a sprinkle of pride for a perceived association with the courage and tragedy of a local heroine. Though I don’t think they tell this to kids quite the same way these days, the stories and memories remain.
For the Tuesday Photo Challenge: Back Catalog