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‘Tis Life

Photo copyright: Jelli
Photo copyright: Jellico’s Stationhouse

The Brough Superior sped to its fate. Its driver unaware of the two boys playing on the road. History cannot not tell us what might have been. What Thomas might have gone on to do. This man of letters, of war, of speed and dreams was no more.  Many wept tears as cruel fate carried away T E Lawrence. A man who dreamed with his eye open, making history for good or bad. What he might have gone on to do and write. Yet all life is finite, for even mountains crumble and fall to become the sand of dreams.

I dreamed with my eyes open
I dreamed with my eyes open
T E Law
T E Lawrence

T. E. Lawrence wrote. “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible”. From the Seven Pillars of Wisdom

This Post Has 62 Comments
    1. Your post this week was my inspiration- it does seem that Lawrence lived life to the full. I am pleased you approved of my humble attempt to tell a little about his life.

    1. At the present that is true. But who knows what the future brings. It appears that Lawrence dreamed of a vast united Arab state, without any religious divides. He would be sad to see how the Arab people are tearing themselves apart.

          1. You are obviously not going to turn into one of those old men who do the same things every single day, and when the slugs get their dahlias, that haven’t a clue what to do instead.

    1. As a child I read many books by individual who had known T E Lawrence, but sadly his story did not appear in my education until much much later… Rochelle story about the Harley boys has rekindled my interest in Lawrence.

  1. He was quite a man, TE Lawrence, a real ‘Boys’ Own’ adventurer, the kind of man you rarely find now. Lovely tale and well written, Michael

    1. As a child I read books by John Buchan, Captain William Earl Johns and Winston Churchill, they all knew Lawrence. And perhaps drew inspiration from him. Thank you for your kind comment

    1. Tracy: I was rather unsure of whether to post this piece about Lawrence: so I really thank you for your comments. Rochelles story this week inspired me to try and write a semi factual piece. You have made me glad that I did.

  2. Thanks so much for this, Michael. I loved your last line: “Yet all life is finite, for even mountains crumble and fall to become the sand of dreams”. Like a few others, I wish it was mine!
    I have also made a note to go and buy: “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom”. I thank you very much for putting me onto this as I love “The Prophet” and books like this. On the other hand, books are falling off all surfaces throughout my house and I’m desperately needing to rehome an army of them. So far, only about 20 are heading to the Church fete.
    Hope you have a great week!
    xx Rowena

    1. Thank you Rowena. I have far to many books and regularly take some to my local Oxfam bookshop. Yesterday I looked at several books with the intention of disposing of them; however in each of the books I found great sentences. So all the books ended up back on my bookshelves. I cannot remember reading “The Prophet” I will check it out.

  3. Ah, I remember the 1962 movie titled “Lawrence of Arabia” starring Peter O’Toole as T.E. Lawrence. When I watched the film, I thought what a silly way for him to die, after all those incredible heroic exploits. I think that maybe he had come down off all his wartime adrenaline and was feeling too relaxed, so lost his focus. That can happen.

    You have written this so well, Michael, encapsulating a great deal into your 100 words.

    1. Thank you Sarah. Lawrence in his later life seems to have been addicted to speed, he crashed avoiding two children on the road. Luckily for me I to was also addicted to motorbikes, but not for there speed, but the freedom that they gave me.

    1. There have been so many interesting individuals in world history. They are a rich source of material for the writer. Thank you for your positive feedback, it was appreciated.

  4. He was certainly a brilliant man with a deep knowledge of and understanding of the Middle East. I wonder how he would have advised us about today’s situation.

    1. Now that is a question. I understand that he wished to see the Arab states and the various religions united and working together. I think he would be so sad to see the current situation.

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