For many days I had been moving past a small photo
displayed near the entrance of 'the house of miracles' (aka site base camp)
On the last day of the festival Ralph asked if I'd like to hear the story
"why of course" I answered
then quickly rushed off to do my art-in-residence thing again - flitting here and there
(binding my long book)
When I returned a few hours later Ralph quietly gave me a hand written note
in it he related the story of another festival worker - the girl in the picture
Sharada Lines
For those who can't decipher the note here's what it read:
"Sharada Lines was a volunteer. We first met her in 2006, along with best friend Jessica. They were such fun, so lovely, we decided to give them jobs whenever we could. Our initial impressions were born out, as they shared festivals with us over the next few years. And they had wonderful friends as well.
On May 20th, 2010, I invited her to come and work at Splendour in the Grass. That night I got an excited textfrom her saying "Yes! how exciting. Yes!". It was a Thursday night.
On Saturday morning I saw a facebook post - "Come back Sharada, its too soon, too soon". It didn't sound good. I called Jessica. Sharada was in intensive care on life support. Meningitis felled her on Friday night. She could die.
At 12.15 she did.
She was 26."
The Byron Bay Writers Festival gathered well over a hundred dazzlingly brilliant authors from all quarters and all genres to wow the crowds. I doubt a single one of them touched another person at the festival as much as this short handwritten note, passed over with gentleness and humility, touched me.
Ralph, for me you embodied the spirit of authorship and creativity that encompasses all that I hoped to highlight at the festival - that real tales and heroes exist between the who-har and hoopla - they transcend commerce - they are held in the hearts and minds of ordinary folk.
Thank you for sharing.
....
