Next Up: Spring Pop-Up Art Market April 20th 11am-5pm

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FAVA
39 South Main Street
Oberlin, Ohio 44074

Phone: (440) 774-7158
Fax: (440) 775-1107

Simontatum tatumsimondeparturestoryboard1e

Circle around and follow the lamp posts,

They show the way out.

Away from paradise.

Look to the trusted guide,

Look at the back of his head.

Admire his grey hair, his wisdom.

Hope to be this wise.

Feel the taxi sinking beneath the bridge.

Feel the emotions it provokes.

Fear, anxiety, regret, repression.

 

See the interior of the car glimmer.

Plastic, glass, leather, skin, hair,

It all shines by sunlight.

Sunlight is a magical thing.

Remember that as well.

Smell the sweet citrus juice,

That sits stale in the cupholder.

Maybe consider a drink before departure.

Also, remember to look out the window.

Look at the town passing by quickly.

 

Look up from the cellphone.

It will not create safety.

It is time, please leave.

The guide will go no further.

Observe the airport.

It was not meant to inspire departure,

Only arrival.

An officer waits and stares,

Pouting his mouth.

What does that mean?

 

Please give him the passport.

Let him inspect it.

Let him see.

Remember, look at him, stair straight.

Do not fear, do not give any excuse.

He must not stop departure.

Feel anger towards him.

Hope that anger inspires confidence.

Hope confidence allows passage.

Pray for a saint’s blessing.

 

Please pass, pass quickly, move onwards.

The sunlight is left behind.

The lamplight is ahead.

It is not as magical.

But it is something accepted.

Find a small bar.

Have the citrus drink before departure.

Enjoy the drink, the cup, the decorations.

See the fish lamp above, how strange.

Paradise is strange, leave it.

 

Fasten the seatbelt.

Okay, sit back… relax.

Taxiing and take-off.

Feel the plane moving,

Feel the plane rising,

Feel your stomach flutter,

Look out the window,

See the sky, see the earth below.

Remember, leaving paradise is necessary.

Look beyond, and most importantly,

Smile…

Simon Tatum

Departure Story Board 1 (left)

Departure Story Board 2 (right)

Photograph and text

WIP

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