Fortune Past

A landscape of deep valleys and craggy foothills. The surface scored and pitted by water, wind and hard usage. Some claim to be explorers of these folds and dunes, claim to see in their pattern hints and revelations of fortunes to come. It is of course a delusion, there are no portents and omens, only the gullible with a loose hold on their cash. Easily parted from their fortune in return for a few glib generalities. There is a tale of fortune in the deep scored lines but not of the future, the past can be read here. It is a landscape formed by work and play, by exposure to weather and hardship or conversely by protection from them. The blunt handles of tools and the sharp edges of weapons have callused and cut the warm flesh into its ridges and plains and gentle luxury has smoothed and softened it. It has given blows and caresses. The story of a life is written here.