I love the sound of it, yes. But also what it infers. Gesture. My impression of this word itself, a movement in my mind.
If you look up the meaning, you might turn a page; a thin paper between your fingers and thumb. A whisper as the page rustles from your movement. A small intake of air as you recall the smell of this book that has been on a shelf close to you for as long as you can remember. You might find that you have stretched this word; made it bigger, filled it with as much meaning as you could get into it. Or, maybe this small word really is that big.
The fleeting gentle moments are the ones that stick in my mind. There is a purity in these moments. The smallest of movements. Communication. A demonstration of respect. Intention. Or without intention even.
Perception.
A time-worn beauty in the curved, slouched back of the man waiting to cross the street. A slight shifting in anticipation. One shoulder leaning into a movement that hasn’t quite begun.
The weight in the feet of the crows as they lift off from the side of the road. Draping feet. Briefly left behind. Suspended.
Voices. Blended voices in harmony. Entering the body and filling you for a moment. From one body into another. Pitch perfect. Grace.
An arm held out. Outstretched, the palm open. Fingers slightly bent. Just barely touching a pane of glass. Hovering. Just barely.
The wind sweeping across the fields. Flattening the grasses. Raising them up. The wind not making up its mind. Shifting the sands. Always shifting.
Fleeting poses. Your arm moving in its own quick gesture to find the lines. To find the light, the dark. A gesture to capture a gesture. Making marks.
These small things, I find they are not small. The people, the landscape they are in, these things are not small.
A single gesture can ripple through them.
© Karen McRae, 2012
draw and shoot 
“These small things, I find they are not small” – beautiful, Karen.
Thank you, Helen.
Hey, my friend… take a look: http://occultoantonio.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/karen-mcrae-light-is-magical/
You are very kind, Antonio. Much thanks!
Oh yes! “A gesture to capture a gesture”. The urge to chase, to hold the beauty of it.
Exactly, Elena!
I know, what you saw behind the sign
and know what is coming beyond the sign.
It’s a huge void which got everything in this universe packed in.
Your words are so interesting, Yoshizen.
Do you find my words ominous?
Oh no, not at all. It is the face of enigma.
Or what the enigma is = no entrance or way-out.
Beautifully conveyed!
Thanks, Allen.
For once, the beauty of your words exceeds that of your images – and that, Karen, is a huge, huge compliment!
Ah Louis, you are exceptionally kind! Thank you very much.
Beautifully put, Karen. Love that second image.
Hi Richard, thank you very much.
Second image is great.
Thanks!
Love your writing and images, particularly the second one.
Thank you very much!
well done
Thank you!
A beauty that manifests in your magnificent post.
Thank you, Carlos. Much appreciated!
…yes Karen, not small at all!
Beautiful!
Hi Marina, thank you!
Great word!! The sound of words is really important isn’t it? I love the way I will be saying’ Gesture’ to myself throughout the rest of the day!! I was thinking of the sounds of words earlier this week. mmm brain cogs are starting to turn!!
🙂
There are some words that I find quite beautiful sounding.
Beautiful! You sound like Love talking … 🙂
I suppose a love for the earth and it’s inhabitants! 🙂
Thank you, Gigi.
these things are not small… so true, and such beauty and grace in your words and images, Karen
Thank you, Emily.
‘A slight shifting in anticipation. One shoulder leaning into a movement that hasn’t quite begun.’ I look forward to your novel. Are you planning one? 🙂
Oh gosh, a whole novel?! I’m not sure I’m capable of that, but thank you Trish! 🙂
This is just so lovely and soft. The smallest things are the most important. Crows do walk like their feet are too big, don’t they?
They do! I think at times a little comical.
Thank you, Anna.
I can see it all with your words…very moving…elegant.
Thank you, Scott.
You’re welcome.
This is absolutely beautiful. I hope that one day I will be able to describe things with as much simplistic grace as you do.
Alexandra, thank you. I am touched that you would write that. 🙂
Beautiful words, Karen. “these things are not small”….. so very true.
Sometimes it’s the small things…
Thank you, Simon.
You are as good with words as you are with photos, Karen! Beautiful post!
Sorin, thank you so very much.
a little animal noise of pleasure escaped my lips as i read Karen.. a gesture of awe..
Helen, thank you. A truly lovely thing to say.
I’m very glad your blog exists to inspire us all!
Thanks so much, Diana!
And you capture it perfectly..
Lovely. Simply lovely.
I’m playing catch up and just saw this. Is there a way I can post this on my blog recognizing you or refer people to it? Such lovely thoughts. Carla
Hi Carla,
Sure you can post this. That’s very kind of you.
Thank you.
Karen
I have painted the quiet breeze between the trees
That is a gentle subject. Sounds beautiful!