Beyond Brushstrokes
By Maria Victoria Rufino
The world undergoes upheavals and periods of turmoil. There have been many crises — floods, earthquakes, epidemics, and wars.
The past few decades have seen immense devastation from natural calamities. The hurricane threats continue in different regions.
The ancient mystics used to gaze at the heavens to seek guidance during times of distress and strife. In the Medieval Times, the astronomers and astrologers charted planetary positions among the stars. The French clairvoyant Nostradamus foretold events centuries before they happened. He composed archaic poetic quatrains that people still use as historical or prophetic reference materials. When analyzed, the coincidences are eerily accurate.
Modern astrologers calculate their forecasts for personal charts that are puzzling and surreal. The configurations of stars and confluence of events coincide with violent confrontations and intense conflicts in the politically sensitive areas of the globe.
The solar and lunar eclipses and meteor showers are subjects for interpretation in the context of civil protests and a sudden change in leadership in several countries. There is a contagious effect.
When the torrential rains and storm surges occur, people search for the proverbial rainbow.
The prism symbolizes the ancient divine promise that a deluge would not destroy the world again. The biblical story of Noah’s Ark that survived nonstop rain for 40 days and 40 nights comes to mind whenever a super-typhoon approaches.
The community fervently prays the Oratio Imperata for deliverance from calamities. This prayer acknowledges mankind’s abuse against nature and the environment that resulted in the perennial threat of global warming.
On a lighter note, the rainbow is a poetic vision of translucent colorful ribbons in the sky. It is fascinating, ephemeral, vivid or translucent. It seems close but never close enough. The prism is visible yet intangible. One blink and it vanishes.
The optimist sees the arch in the sky as a sign of good luck. In a tropical paradise where the trade winds blow, rainbows always appear during a rainfall. The island is lush with trees and exotic blooms from the frequent showers on the volcanic soil. In every sense, it is the idyllic refuge.
Once in a while, one sees the phenomenon of twin rainbows stretched over a misty mountain range. As the sun peeks from billowing clouds, its rays illuminate, reflect, or refract millions of tiny raindrops. Amidst the dissipating fog, the diffused half circles appear to be on top on each other.
Across the Pacific Ocean, the famous gnarled lone cypress stands at the extreme edge of a coastal cliff. Buffeted by strong winds, the century-old tree has survived and withstood so many storms. The forest of slanted cypress trees remains frozen in time.
On a cold, foggy afternoon, after a passing shower, a majestic rainbow briefly hovered like a half-halo above the Lone Cypress. The crashing waves splashed against the rocks ad the craggy cliffs along the coastline. A distant foghorn sounded soulfully. The colorful ribbons disappeared like a broken spell.
Miles away, a horse and its rider cantered along the beach of Half Moon Bay, chasing another rainbow.
Once upon a time, a favorite childhood game was spotting a rainbow after the rain. There is an ageless charm that appeals to kids of all sizes. On breezy weekends, while riding or walking in an open field, one feels immersed in nature. The passing showers are blessings. Then it comes — the much-awaited inspiration to create, to capture the mood and the quality of diffused light.
Does the mythical pot of gold at the end of the arch really exist? That is a mystery that needs to be revealed.
One time, this dreamer followed one rainbow and traced it to a surprise end — atop the weather-beaten, shingled roof of a rustic inn. In an incredible flash, it explained why the restaurant attracted a queue of gourmets. Then it faded. It was magic in practice.
And now, amidst the raging storm winds and torrential rains, one recalls the story of Noah’s Ark. After 40 days and nights, the deluge subsided. The dove flew out and returned with the olive twig and leaves.
Beyond the rainbow, the symbol of hope and divine promise, one can have a glimpse of infinity.
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
