The goodly Mouse Wantmore – of mice and non-mice!
Wantmore was a mouse…
That his presence was known was not known unto him. His life was his attic. Here within the trunk he lived in the leather boot from Waterloo. That more than 200 years of history was its continuum, Wantmore did not mind…the boot was home. Within the trunk the medal lay…as to its significance – of no concern to this mouse. He liked it…for Wantmore it was shiny. A mameluke amidst these olden things would be desired by many, but in Wantmore’s space it hurt…it was sharp. Best to stay away.
Wantmore seldom chewed through the wool of the tunics. They were warm as they were…though the papers of the time suffered as Wantmore enjoyed scruffling through newsprint…he enjoyed the sound, shredding and texture. Wantmore however, left alone the images of the aged soldiers. These non-mice were his gallery…portraits of lost experience with which he could arrange to his liking…sideways, this way up, that way round.
At Christmas each year, the non-mice family returned to the low gables of the attic in search of tree and ornaments. It was a noisy time. Wantmore watched and waited…soon there would be green, red and blue glowing crystal lights – crumbs of cakes and cheeses, sugary things and goodness to chew.
It was Christmas…temptation this time of year would take him downstairs after their feast. In the dark Wantmore would clean up after the non-mice and then in his fullness would return to his attic.
Though Wantmore did not know this day as Christmas, he enjoyed the day as one of seemingly goodly things and kindness. Within his boot from Waterloo, Wantmore cuddled within his shreddings…drifting off to sleep, never knowing that more than most he knew Christmas well…not one of wanting, but just having the day itself.
Merry Christmas to one and all…mouse and non-mice!
Tags: Christmas, Continuum, Wantmore
This entry was posted by pferguson
on Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 at 7:39 pm and is filed under Christmas Special.
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About The Author
Paul has worked with the Paradigm Motion Picture Company since 2009 as producer, historian and research specialist. Paul first met Casey and Ian WIlliams of Paradigm in April 2007 at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium when ceremonies were being held for the re-dedication of the Vimy Memorial, France.
Paul's sensitivity to film was developed at an early age seeing his first films at RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany and Sardinia. Paul returned to Canada in 1967 and was captivated by David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Bridge on the River Kwai". Over time Paul became increasingly interested in storytelling, content development, character, direction, cinematography, narration and soundtracks.
At the University of Victoria, Paul studied and compared Japanese and Australian film and became interested in Australian film maker Peter Weir and his film "Gallipoli" (1981). Paul was inspired when he learned Weir visited the beaches, ridges and ravines of the peninsula. "Gallipoli", the film, led Paul on many journeys to sites of conflict in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Malta, Hawaii, Gallipoli, North Macedonia and Salonika.
When Paul first watched documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, "The Civil War", Paul understood how his own experience and insight could be effective and perhaps influential in film-making. Combining his knowledge of Museums and Archives, exhibitions and idea strategies with his film interests was a natural progression.
Paul thinks like a film-maker. His passion for history and storytelling brings to Paradigm an eye (and ear) to the keen and sensitive interests of; content development, the understanding of successful and relational use of collections, imagery and voice. Like Paul's favorite actor, Peter O'Toole, Paul believes in the adage “To deepen not broaden.”
While on this path Paul always remembers his grandmother whose father did not return from the Great War and how his loss shaped her life and how her experience continues to guide him.
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