My story, “The City Of Dreams”, consists of a series of short stories - inspired by Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities”. The episodes are expressed through numerous dream-like perspectives and experiences, that each uniquely comment on the complex genius loci of the city of Portsmouth.
City of the Sky
We aren’t exactly where you think.
Clouds stretch far beyond the horizon. As far as the eye can see. Skies are few or finite otherwise, surrounded. The city is enclosed.
If you looked up, you’d see it too. We’re floating, Surely.
If you don’t believe me, then look down. The azure aqueous boundary so clear you’d think there were two skies; where the threshold between the heavens and the earth is indistinguishable.
City Of the Celestial
Thus we must be in a utopia of sorts, but neither heaven nor Eden.
But rapture; nevertheless transcendent and unbound to nation or state, religion or culture.
This Elysium drifts beneath the overcast. A break frames a view for God’s eye, and golden crepuscules with heavens light as our guide.
City of the Conquest
And this procession has been so for over 700 years; a soaring vessel decorated with a blue shield bearing a gold star and crescent, with Hilsea at it’s stern and Gunwharf at it’s bow.
The monumental Man ‘O’ War occupies over 4,028 hectares as it wades through the ether; the towering foremast of it’s spinnaker perforating the grey blanket.
And our aerial battleship emerges, to present a complete picture after the passage of time.
We aren’t exactly where you think.
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