The shimmering sound of the moonlit sea

The text below is an invitation to a collective meditation aimed at creating an encounter between human energies and their multi-faceted worlds of imagination. Élodie Paul embarks on a journey to understand the diverse dreams and aspirations that gave rise to the Salon Nardal. Through the use of sound, voice, humming, and silence, Paul wants to connect with the individual people present and invite them to witness this collective moment of grounding, memory, transcendence and what she calls Caribbean glissement.

She whispers:

I greet you,...

As I read this narrative poem by Paulette Nardal, the rumble of a strong late summer storm comes through my window. The blue of the night has almost swallowed up Paris. The street lights aren't on yet. There is only the glaring light of lightning that rips open the sky and my retina... my memory.

A heavy-lead sky of such wild intensity that it reminds me of the skies at home. It's a magical spectacle. Full of life. Healing, yet dangerous.

Far away. At home

Far away. reminders.

And yet I'm sure I could touch them if I just opened my palms wide enough.

I long for our country with a hunger that can never be completely satisfied. Time, distance and history pass us by; dutifully snatch us away from our roots. I feel infinitely out of place.

I have no choice but to call up the fragments of landscapes that remain with me here in my room.

Those who belong to me, yours, those of our ancestors — they all continue to travel to us via ocean currents.

Will you testify to my moment of quiet reflection?

— Elodie Paul