A SUPPOSITION ON TIME ON THE PONT ST.PIERRE
Fiction by
JAMES KINGSTON
When Jean Michel Dubois was 12 years old, he’d stand on the Pont St. Pierre and look at the flowing waters below. To his pre-adolescent mind, the river Garonne represented the fluidity of life, although at the time he couldn’t have described it so. The river posed several questions for the young Jean Michel. Where did all the water come from? Where did it go? How was it so powerful and fast; able to rip up a tree by its roots or capsize a canoeist? Jean Michel knew from his geography lessons about the water cycle. How water flows out to sea, evaporates, and rains down transformed. He also knew that its power was caused mainly by gravity. These theoretical explanations, however, did not answer the questions which Jean Michel sought in his mind.
One spring morning when the riverbanks were awakening with the song of the plover and the pastel pink and white of the cherry blossom, Jean Michel was approached on the bridge by a man of indeterminate age. Jean Michel was a thoughtful yet confident youngster with a natural awareness of people’s motivations. In this man, he sensed only compassion.
‘Good morning young man,’ the man said as he approached. ‘The air is alive today with the freshness of life, wouldn’t you agree?’
Jean Michel was puzzled by this greeting and looked at the man, unsure how to proceed. The man smiled and the lines on his face suddenly belied a more advanced age.
‘I’m sorry young man, you must be wondering what a strange old man is doing striking up a conversation with a young boy on the Pont St. Pierre.’
Again, Jean Michel found himself dumbstruck by the man’s words.
‘There is a time,’ the man continued. ‘When you will return to this place. Many years will have
passed, and you will have done and seen many things. Your life will stretch out in front of you into the vast unknown then slowly become restricted as the seasons change. You will remember these waters and they will become important to you. Far more important than you can know.’
The man paused and Jean Michel suddenly found his voice.
‘Who are you?’ He exclaimed. ‘Do I know you, are you a family friend?’
The man smiled at this and appeared to think deeply for a moment. He moved closer to the wall and leaned over, peering into the murky waters below. Jean Michel felt like time had slowed and he was living in a single instance which contained the entire universe within its boundaries. The light took on an altogether more sombre feel yet radiated a preternatural brilliance which was in stark contrast to the quickly darkening atmosphere. How can something be two things at the same time? He wondered.
‘There are many cases of duality in life.’ The man replied.
‘But I only thought that didn’t I?’ Jean Michel asked uncertainly.
A middle-aged couple walked by staring at Jean Michel as if he had lost all reason. He turned again to talk to the man, but he had gone, as if he had evaporated into the air. Jean Michel looked up and down the bridge, but he was nowhere to be seen. He peered over the edge of the stone wall, but the river did not reveal any of its hidden secrets.
***
Half a century passes, and Jean Michel lives as the man had suggested, a full and interesting life. He has children of his own, who are adults now living their own lives. He has loved and lost and loved again but still the man on the bridge haunts his solitary moments. He has studied deeply and gained much knowledge on the world and his place in it. In his quiet moments he often returns in thought to the day, when he was a young man on the Pont St. Pierre.
In his first year of retirement, Jean Michel visits the Pont St. Pierre for sentimental reasons; to reminisce on his early years growing up in Toulouse. Time has given his childhood a halcyon feel. The heady august canicules where the Tolousains would escape to the coast leaving the city ghostly and abandoned. The smell of the crepes frying as the morning sun reflects off the pink hued buildings and narrow streets where the angles of light cast dark shadows accentuating the relationship between the natural and the man-made.
As Jean Michel walks under the plane trees through the Place St. Pierre, the bridge leading out in front of him like the pathway to heaven, a million thoughts and emotions raid his consciousness. His life had always seemed linear, with time a constant reminder of its inevitable course like the river flowing from spring to sea. Now it feels less certain. The eternal cycle of water flowing, evaporating, changing form then returning to where it began with no beginning and no ending, only a perpetual cycle of renewal. He sees his life in these terms as he walks past the accordion busker and the young couples drinking crème de menthe under the parasols outside the dusky cafes and bars. As Jean Michel approaches the centre of the bridge, where he’d stood, half a century ago, he discerns a young boy listening intently to a man who appears somehow uncanny. Jean Michel slows his pace as he nears the unusual pair and listens to the words spoken by the man.
‘The river flows endlessly on, changing the landscape, reaching the sea, then being replenished, transforming into vapour, then reviving the earth and passing below our feet into the unknown spaces. It has no beginning, it has no end, but it is forever changing. It is like time itself, transcending desire, reaching enlightenment, flowing perpetually like the planets turn, the seasons change, the stars die and are born anew, the cycle of time is forever turning but it is not linear, only our perspective is learned as such. It is complex and multitudinous and so much more than a boundary to life.’
A sudden sound distracts Jean Michel. He turns round to look, but the bridge is empty except for himself and a young couple walking arm in arm. When he turns back the boy and the man are gone. A strange sensation rushes down John Michel’s spine. He feels elated yet unsure. Strangely euphoric but simultaneously subdued. As he reaches the centre of the bridge he notices a notebook, discarded on the floor, its pages fluttering back and forth like thoughts. He reaches down, picks up the book, and puts it into his jacket pocket, surprised at how it somehow fits perfectly and snugly.
When Jean Michel returns to his hotel, he sits on the terrace watching the people below passing through life. He opens the notebook and begins to read:
The following pages are an attempt to make sense of what I have learned during my existence in Espace. Although much of what is contained herein is related directly to Espace and more precisely La Terre, it should also be viewed in relation to all
existence, from our own solace which is Égalité to the furthest reaches of dark transcendence and beyond. I have taken many steps to try to ensure that this work does not fall into the wrong hands but alas no length of prevention is entirely secure.
The content of what is contained inside is not a record of my experiences but rather a record of my own impressions or reactions to them. It is also, perhaps more importantly a message for those who may follow my path. Seek me out enlightened
ones and though the path may be long and arduous trust your instincts as there are those who will help you on your journey as there are those who will seek to hinder, impede, and destroy.
Be wary but above all believe in yourselves and the 7 inner truths and wisdoms:
Reality is an illusion which hides the truth.
In great simplicity lies profound knowledge.
Transcendence cannot be thought only realised.
Our experience of existence is minuscule in relation to existence itself.
A thought is eternal but changes eternally.
There exists a darkness which we fail to comprehend.
Visualisation is the sister of meditation.
Through much research and exploration, I have now reached an understanding hitherto hidden from my senses. I now realise that the signals which I attempted to send out across Espace into the ether and towards Égalité will have become corrupted and incomprehensible long before they reached a friendly thought signature. My initial message was a theory on the nature of existence which I developed during my first three cycles of earthly existence, initially through transcendence, secondly in passive thought form and thirdly as human projection.
The message is as follows -
After this first failed attempt to communicate my findings, I did not immediately begin another attempt as initially I was unaware of its failure to reach Égalité. I continued with my research, trying to learn as much as possible about life on La Terre. During my seventh cycle of existence, I learned to my surprise that I was not alone on La Terre. Of course, as you know Espace and La Terre are awash with thought signature but we have always presumed that the state in which thought signature interacts with the spirits and essences present in Espace was at a sub-atomic level which transcended both the physical and metaphysical laws of Espace and could only co-exist in a state of perpetual continuance. My experiences in my seventh cycle have proven this to be false. I now find that linear time is but a concept and that with practice I have been able to travel through this concept of time thus subverting it in order to study its' structure and hidden complexities. It truly is a thing to behold. It is structured somehow like a strand of existence in Sommeil. It seems to float delicately and four dimensionally until it is viewed from a different perspective, and we are able to gain a glimpse of the eternal variation of existences all co-existing in a spiritual realm of light and shadow. But this is only the beginning. I will elaborate on my theories of time further in the text.
After these observations I sought answers to the very nature of the cycle of existence. Thought signature seemed to be transcending to a plain altogether hidden from my awareness. It is at the moment of human death that this is usually perceived. And so, I sent out this second signal -
Again, I did not immediately understand that my signal had been unsuccessful in reaching its' destination. I waited patiently and thoughtfully for a response, but nothing was forthcoming. I soon became absorbed once more in my research and my thoughts grew denser. I began to study humans in their everyday lives. What at first seemed a simplistic existence soon took on such depth and complexity that I struggled to find a relevant point to begin my hypotheses. In my tenth and eleventh cycles I thought that I had finally found out as much as there is to know about the potential of the human consciousness and its relation to our own existence. But it was not until my thirteenth cycle that I happened to perceive an entity who seemed to hold something unique in relation to existence as I had thus far perceived it. My research up to this point had suggested a theory of human consciousness as somehow bound to the concept of time which I mentioned before. Their existence always seemed linear and governed by Espace's physical and metaphysical laws. I was almost convinced that human consciousness was an inferior type of thought signature, and I was beginning to believe that perhaps after death, the transcendence of the soul was perhaps a path towards the development of thought signature in the form in which we exist. This entity, entirely human and seemingly restricted by the same laws as every other human consciousness destroyed my theories in an instant of transcendent ability.
I perceived him for the first time as his spirit descended a spectral staircase in time. I had noticed during my study of the structure of time, an anomaly which I could not understand. I kept returning to this place in time to perceive it from a different angle, a different perspective in order to try and shed some light on what was happening. For three cycles of existence, it continued to elude me. Then during my eighteenth cycle, the cycle from which I write these words I perceived it for the first time. There existed a person. A human being with a spirit so malleable as to be the stuff of pure thought itself.
On a beach by the sea in a small town in Britain I witnessed time being bent back on itself. I saw time being forced and shaped contrary to all I had learned by this spirit in order to save the life of a friend. I did not know then that such a small action of compassion could set in motion the train of events which have led me to where I am today. After this I followed his every move. I learned as much as I could about his life. His relationship with others, his views on existence, his perception of things. It was during this time of observation that I realised I was not the only one who watched over him. It was the beginning of a dark and fearful time for me. And this was the final, warning signal which I sent out into the ether -
I perceived him for the first time as his spirit descended a spectral staircase in time. I had noticed during my study of the structure of time, an anomaly which I could not understand. I kept returning to this place in time to perceive it from a different angle, a different perspective in order to try and shed some light on what was happening. For three cycles of existence, it continued to elude me. Then during my eighteenth cycle, the cycle from which I write these words I perceived it for the first time. There existed a person. A human being with a spirit so malleable as to be the stuff of pure thought itself.
On a beach by the sea in a small town in Britain I witnessed time being bent back on itself. I saw time being forced and shaped contrary to all I had learned by this spirit in order to save the life of a friend. I did not know then that such a small action of compassion could set in motion the train of events which have led me to where I am today. After this I followed his every move. I learned as much as I could about his life. His relationship with others, his views on existence, his perception of things. It was during this time of observation that I realised I was not the only one who watched over him. It was the beginning of a dark and fearful time for me. And this was the final, warning signal which I sent out into the ether -
I now realise that it could not have reached you not because of a corruption in frequency but because it had been intercepted. I write this now as a way to pass on my knowledge to those who come to seek me. I have tried throughout the text to
leave clues for those who will be able to perceive them. The names and descriptions contained in the maps and diagrams will be meaningless to those who have no concern in these matters. But if you who follow me find this work and see in it a
reference to yourselves then be vigilant as the old ones are far from gone. They exist in many forms hidden throughout existence. Their network is deep and far reaching and their goals are as archaic as the existence which holds them together.
As stardust is to forever fade, the true pure thought will shine again long after our constructs of reality have fallen into timeless history.
For Ondes, Sagesse, Éveillé or any who choose to follow me. Your instincts will be your guide. Stay close to the one they call Rico. His fate is the fate of all existence. But do not be drawn too quickly into their devious plans.
A new chaos is what they seek. May Égalité stand in it's place for an eternité to come and may our transcendences be deep and fulfilling. If you see a man by a bridge with a crooked smile who laughs as you pass by, take no heed as it is just a watching eye who never meant to live or die.
leave clues for those who will be able to perceive them. The names and descriptions contained in the maps and diagrams will be meaningless to those who have no concern in these matters. But if you who follow me find this work and see in it a
reference to yourselves then be vigilant as the old ones are far from gone. They exist in many forms hidden throughout existence. Their network is deep and far reaching and their goals are as archaic as the existence which holds them together.
As stardust is to forever fade, the true pure thought will shine again long after our constructs of reality have fallen into timeless history.
For Ondes, Sagesse, Éveillé or any who choose to follow me. Your instincts will be your guide. Stay close to the one they call Rico. His fate is the fate of all existence. But do not be drawn too quickly into their devious plans.
A new chaos is what they seek. May Égalité stand in it's place for an eternité to come and may our transcendences be deep and fulfilling. If you see a man by a bridge with a crooked smile who laughs as you pass by, take no heed as it is just a watching eye who never meant to live or die.
Theories of time.
It is our perception of reality which precedes our concept of time. The physical reality in Espace re-enforces theories of time as a linear concept, unassailable and unalterable. If viewed conversely or objectively it becomes more than a linear concept. Because physical reality is changing perpetually, from each human beings' life cycle to the endless birth, death and re-birth of the stars and planets, time is viewed as irrevocably linked to this physical progression. If time is viewed from outside these physical restrictions, then it can be seen in a similar way to in Égalité where we view every instant simultaneously and thoughts and acts are accessed at will. When we think of time as a concept it becomes blurred subjectively and this is the problem faced when time is theorised scientifically. If on the contrary time is viewed from a dream perspective or an emotional perspective, then a new perception can arise which delves deeper into its' true nature.
It is this connection of time with the sub-conscious mind which I witnessed first-hand in the anomaly concerning Richard Layman. It was his ability, be it at a sub-conscious or automatic level, to perceive time outside its' linear conception which allowed him to reverse events causing the anomaly. The occurrence of the anomaly shows however that this was a truly singular action. The laws which govern Espace were momentarily contradicted thus creating the anomaly which I was able to perceive. The fact that I was able to perceive this anomaly also suggests strongly that I was not alone in its' perception the consequences of which are as yet unknown. Continued study of the events which led to Richard's ability to create this temporal anomaly suggest that it is through a heightened emotional state that this transcendence of time progressive becomes possible.
It is our perception of reality which precedes our concept of time. The physical reality in Espace re-enforces theories of time as a linear concept, unassailable and unalterable. If viewed conversely or objectively it becomes more than a linear concept. Because physical reality is changing perpetually, from each human beings' life cycle to the endless birth, death and re-birth of the stars and planets, time is viewed as irrevocably linked to this physical progression. If time is viewed from outside these physical restrictions, then it can be seen in a similar way to in Égalité where we view every instant simultaneously and thoughts and acts are accessed at will. When we think of time as a concept it becomes blurred subjectively and this is the problem faced when time is theorised scientifically. If on the contrary time is viewed from a dream perspective or an emotional perspective, then a new perception can arise which delves deeper into its' true nature.
It is this connection of time with the sub-conscious mind which I witnessed first-hand in the anomaly concerning Richard Layman. It was his ability, be it at a sub-conscious or automatic level, to perceive time outside its' linear conception which allowed him to reverse events causing the anomaly. The occurrence of the anomaly shows however that this was a truly singular action. The laws which govern Espace were momentarily contradicted thus creating the anomaly which I was able to perceive. The fact that I was able to perceive this anomaly also suggests strongly that I was not alone in its' perception the consequences of which are as yet unknown. Continued study of the events which led to Richard's ability to create this temporal anomaly suggest that it is through a heightened emotional state that this transcendence of time progressive becomes possible.
It is here that my theories on the reality of time have reached their culmination. I feel that my findings will prove vital in our 'future' understanding of the nature of reality. I will continue to observe Richard and track his life in case of similar occurrences or in case the need to intervene becomes apparent. I will watch him closely but remain hidden until such a time when I feel it necessary to perhaps come closer to his thought patterns.
Theories on the nature of reality.
Does every soul come from or go to thought signature?
How is time qualified in the 7 plains?
Profundity, Espace Time, Storage System (Library), Regularity of contact, Feeling, Spatial, Realm Significant, Entity Significant, Accessible.
What is the ultimate unknown?
The (Earth) Afterlife, The origin of thought signature, The origins of everything (when time becomes too deep/dark it fades into the unknown.
Trillions of thought signature inhabit the 7 plains.
A multitude of other entities exist.
All inhabitants exist in a way incomprehensible in Espace.
It is beyond matter yet can manipulate matter.
The physical is an echo/shadow of the thought.
Forces of good and evil are replaced by gradations of grey.
Motives are often ethical, grandiose, sycophantic and egalitarian.
The societé of Égalité seeks to rationalise, socialise and govern.
Other plains are focussed on sensation, awareness, insight etc.
Espace holds many mysteries as yet unknown to thought signature.
Égalité's Philosophy: Tentative Truths.
Reality often functions as a reflection of itself.
The human mind harbours many similarities to éternité.
Spiritual form precedes physical form.
The cycle of existence is quasi-perpetual (meaning it is a continuous development both self-perpetuating and outwardly driven with the potential of transcendence).
A deep cloud obscures much ancient history (time is for once perceived as a progressive quantity).
The emotion of the few mirrors the longing of the many.
Thought signature is an allusive grain of sand in existence.
Existence is a miniscule percentage of potential awareness.
Transcendence is a myriad enlightenment.
Human emotion casts light everlasting.
Final Realisation.
Reality (7 Plains and beyond) is eternal and infinite. For every thought a different path is taken and a different reality created. In every alternative reality exists a version of reality which is continually perpetuated on a different tangent at every moment of every thought in every realm of every existence.
***
Theories on the nature of reality.
Does every soul come from or go to thought signature?
How is time qualified in the 7 plains?
Profundity, Espace Time, Storage System (Library), Regularity of contact, Feeling, Spatial, Realm Significant, Entity Significant, Accessible.
What is the ultimate unknown?
The (Earth) Afterlife, The origin of thought signature, The origins of everything (when time becomes too deep/dark it fades into the unknown.
Trillions of thought signature inhabit the 7 plains.
A multitude of other entities exist.
All inhabitants exist in a way incomprehensible in Espace.
It is beyond matter yet can manipulate matter.
The physical is an echo/shadow of the thought.
Forces of good and evil are replaced by gradations of grey.
Motives are often ethical, grandiose, sycophantic and egalitarian.
The societé of Égalité seeks to rationalise, socialise and govern.
Other plains are focussed on sensation, awareness, insight etc.
Espace holds many mysteries as yet unknown to thought signature.
Égalité's Philosophy: Tentative Truths.
Reality often functions as a reflection of itself.
The human mind harbours many similarities to éternité.
Spiritual form precedes physical form.
The cycle of existence is quasi-perpetual (meaning it is a continuous development both self-perpetuating and outwardly driven with the potential of transcendence).
A deep cloud obscures much ancient history (time is for once perceived as a progressive quantity).
The emotion of the few mirrors the longing of the many.
Thought signature is an allusive grain of sand in existence.
Existence is a miniscule percentage of potential awareness.
Transcendence is a myriad enlightenment.
Human emotion casts light everlasting.
Final Realisation.
Reality (7 Plains and beyond) is eternal and infinite. For every thought a different path is taken and a different reality created. In every alternative reality exists a version of reality which is continually perpetuated on a different tangent at every moment of every thought in every realm of every existence.
***
JAMES KINGSTON is am a Welsh writer of Irish descent living and working in England.