Cleveland W. Gibson writes about...

the background of “Charles Trenet’s La Mer”

Hi Don,

I saw your note. I’m still waiting on the Laura Hird web site but it will happen. I think sometimes I need to become a saint and just be patient. In writing everything is about time. However you asked...

The story ‘Charles Trenet’s La Mer’ is topical because of the Tsunami which is still in everybody’s thoughts. The story is a tight drama, only about 1,024 words long but it’s enought to make you reach within yourself at times and think about the emotions laid out on display when disaster strikes.

I trained as a life guard and when on holiday one year down in Cornwall I experienced a particularly dangerous beach. I remember going to the village hall to be told of the dangers in the water, the tide , the sand and the weather. It really was that bad.But with the proper care people could still swim in the water.

A few years ago I was delighted to find a donation from the Lottery went towards training life guards and the purchase of new equipment. Plus I was delighted to learn life guards visited each year from Australia because they took up the challenge to keep the beaches safe.Those Bondi Beach guys are really great when it comes to doing a good job and helping other mates.

I’m pleased with the improvement but saddened when a young boy drowned in the sea not very far away because he went swimming with his father in a quiet strip of beach away from the patrolled area.And it was just after I wrote my story.

In my drama I tried to capture the emotions, the loss that never goes away and the realisation others suffer too, often people you don’t think about. A dead hero is one thing but what about his family?

The Tsunami claimed countless deaths and brough such widespread distruction.In the story I wrote, I used the sentiments of the classic song written by the late Charles Trenet. It just fitted in so well. And the sea is everything.

Best wishes for now,

Cleveland

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