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Friday, 12 September 2008
Red Rhododendrons
Entrance to Ardtornish Gardens; long
gravel driveway flanked on either side by red
rhododendrons guarding the house, a trickle of unease.
Tall turrets, watching windows, reminiscent of
another house, forgotten tale from years ago, my
foreboding as vivid as the red rhododendrons.
Distant images; red rages, eyes raw from crying, a gunshot –
blood spilt in the boathouse. Looming danger flames
in my mind, and fear licks my spine as I pass through the
red rhododendrons.
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When my husband and I went on holiday with my in-laws, we stayed at Ardtornish House on Loch Aileen in the Scottish Highlands. As we drove up the huge imposing driveway, the sides of the path were flanked by beautiful rhododendrons, and then it opened up to reveal a stunning old mansion. The experience reminded me of the narrator's first view of Mandalay in Rebecca. The poem hints at the story and the threatening atmosphere created by the red rhododendrons.
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