Affix. Adhere. Accrete.
Cement. Carry. Cherish. Clasp. Cleave. Clench. Contain. Cradle. Cohere.
Fasten. Grasp. Endure. Enfold.
Bolster. Buttress. Bind. Brace. Embrace.
Seize. Grip. Enclose. Possess. Secure. Occupy. Restrain. Withhold.
Maintain. Retain. Remain. Sustain.
Nourish. Shoulder.
Join. Unite. Uphold. Underpin.
Linger. Last. Persevere.
Keep. Enjoy.
Persist.
In biology, the holdfast is a root-like structure that anchors aquatic organisms like seaweed to a substrate. Around the time of the pandemic - strolling on a beach in Wales - I became fascinated not by this tangled fleshy foot, but by what it clings to. In particular, rocks. I started to become interested in the holding properties of rock for vulnerable bodies. The generosity of their anchorage. Their ballast quality. The way even a small stone may provide security for a small frond. I started this thought at the end of Weathering.
In Croatia, I came across some small examples, and then in Scotland this month I found some mega-holds along the sea-shoreline of Loch Broom. And so again, they are on my mind. This dynamic relationship between stone and seaweed, between hard and soft, dense and diaphanous. I find myself wondering how the rock benefits from what holds it, and whether it matters if the relationship is symbiotic, or reciprocal. I am contemplating the desire and seizure in being possessed.
So much in the world right now is an exercise in holding-fast. So much threatens to be overwhelming and unbearable. We must find our storm ports and dock. Either that or we must find ways to develop the substrate. To deepen it. To become our own.
Fun fact: ‘Hold Fast’ is the motto of the McLeod clan and my family have all manner of things with these words on - brooches, whiskey glasses... the essentials ☺️🏴
In addition to appreciating your reflections, they remind me of why a thesaurus is a favourite book. I love perusing a list of words and waiting for the feeling of recognising just the one I was looking for; like trying on a series of garments for just the right fit. Thank you