ⅻ - [text]

[mnementomori]

[careful writing appears on the Vine, slowly, a pause after each line. The writer is copying it down from a book, after all.]

If recollecting were forgetting,
Then I remember not.
And if forgetting, recollecting,
How near I had forgot.
And if to miss, were merry,
And to mourn, were gay,
How very blithe the fingers
That gathered this, Today!

[with that, the handwriting grows more confident and natural again, continuing further down the page.]


I found this in a book in the library...and a lot of other things like it. Is it some kind of puzzle? What does it mean?

Comments

[mnementomori]

I guess.

[another delay.]

Acting happy when you're sad just feels worse, somehow. Is that what you mean?

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

I didn't mean to imply that, but it can be true. Sometimes it's best to let yourself be sad, trying to bottle it up can be too painful to bear. On the other hand, it's best not to let that state go unchecked for too long-- wallowing in sorrow rather than simply letting oneself feel it never did anyone any good.

When I'm grieving, I tend to keep it to myself for a little while, but I eventually share my feelings with a friend. A little understanding and empathy can go a long way.

[mnementomori]

Share feelings with a friend...

I didn't know how to do that at first, but when I learned...I think I know what you mean. Friends are really important for that kind of thing.

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

Yes, they are. I hope you've made one or two here that you can share with. If not, there's no time like the present, and I'm sure you can find someone receptive here.
I hope I've been helpful-- you're always free to drop in on me and the various little robots here, and Sephiroth too, of course! Since she's my housemate.

[mnementomori]

I have. They mean a lot to me. Though someone of them have disappeared lately.

You live with Sephiroth? What's your name? I'm Xion.

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, there have been quite a few disappearances lately-- I'm sorry to hear that you lost some friends, Xion.

I'm Reeve-- Reeve Tuesti. And yes, I do! She's made her quarters in my spare room. Please, feel free to drop by any time you're in need of company.

[mnementomori]

It's okay. I'm not alone, and I'll always remember them.

[her words are braver than she feels, though.]

Reeve. If that's okay.

[urbanwonderland.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you don't feel alone, Xion. No should have to live with that feeling.
[Reeve smiles.] And yes-- that's just fine.