Nebulaphilia

Nebulaphilia

My partner at the time decided to treat me to a trip to Avebury to see see the standing stones. He suggested going really early so we stood a chance of being alone there. Mornings aren’t my natural habitat but the prospect of being undisturbed appealed.

After a short drive, we got out of the car and I stood still for a moment. The dawn mist swirled up from the ground in graceful, curled waves like flames from a fire. The air was cool and damp. The sort of air where you can’t determine whether it’s mist or drizzle. Most definitely dreich.

Walking forward, I caught a glimpse of the first stone. It was covered in a patina of lichens and a dab of moss. As I reached the rim of the circle, every hair on my body stood on end, like it was being attracted to something. I felt like I was being charged like a battery. This sensation gradually diminished as I walked into the circle. I felt like I’d crossed a boundary. The silence almost echoed.

The sun gradually rose and with it, the mist faded. I felt completely wide awake and better than I had for a while.

As time passed, I felt it was time to leave. Correction, that I was being asked to leave. Politely, subtly but most definitely. The stones seemed to have been cloaked in normality. It was definitely time to return to the day.