Reflection and wisdom in unexpected places

Quiet spot: atop the ruined fort is the bench seat with its
in memoriam and words of reflection

At times the chill in the air bites. These days of January have felt constantly cooler and more unsettled than usual.

Today the sun shone, but was tempered by a northerly wind. I found a sun trap to rest and enjoy a coffee and let my thoughts wander. I was on a small island, Ferry Fort Island, at the western edge of Ferry Reach, in Bermuda.

In the lee of a limestone fort that had been built 200 years ago, protected from the wind I enjoyed the winter sun.

I wondered about the history of the silent ruins wrapped around me. This place had once been maintained for its historical interest, but now was fully neglected with wild plants encroaching and occupying the abandoned space.

Who were the people who built this fort two centuries ago, and what were their lives like? A gleaming white executive jet took off from the airport a mile away and flew above. What would the builders of this 19th century fort have made of such a sight?

On the journey to this little island I had passed a property called Northwinds. It made me think of today's north wind, and of a haunting ballad called Northwinds from 37 years ago by music group The Stranglers. A year after its release, and two-thirds of a lifetime ago, I'd seen them perform the song. Had time marched on so far and so fast?

Atop the fort ruins is a bench seat that commands a view of the nearby ocean. The seat is inscribed in memoriam to a lady called Donna DeSiliva [1962-2012], including a few words of wisdom and reflection.

I love discovering these unexpected fragments of thoughts in remote peaceful settings, which invite a moment to stop and consider.

Upon the bench are the words: "The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye, but found by the heart."